Dr. Geeta Radhakrishna Menon (1950–2025)
Eminent Mohiniattam dancer, scholar, choreographer, author, and teacher Dr. Geeta Radhakrishna Menon passed away on 8 April 2025 in New Delhi at the age of 75. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy that enriched Indian classical dance for over five decades.
Born in Mumbai on 3 August 1950, Geeta was introduced to the arts at an early age by her parents. After initial training in Bharatanatyam, she dedicated herself to Mohiniattam under the guidance of legendary gurus at Kerala Kalamandalam, including Kalamandalam Kalyani Kutty Amma and Kalamandalam Satyabhama. Though qualified as a lawyer, dance became her lifelong mission.
A leading exponent of Mohiniattam, Geeta performed extensively across India and abroad, earning acclaim for her graceful stage presence, expressive abhinaya, and unwavering commitment to the Kerala Kalamandalam tradition. Her acclaimed solo dance productions included Narayaneeyam, Mary Magdalene, and Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa, which showcased her depth as a performer and choreographer.
She founded Mohiniatta Nritya Kalakshetra in Mumbai, nurturing generations of dancers, including her daughter Radhika. A respected scholar, she earned a doctorate from Mumbai University and authored several important books on Mohiniattam, dance, spirituality, and literature.
Dr. Geeta Radhakrishna Menon will be remembered as a cultural ambassador of India, whose devotion to art, scholarship, and teaching continues to inspire countless students and admirers.
My humble salutations to this great artist and torchbearer of Indian culture.
BY-GURU VIJAY SHANKER
In this edition of Mumbayile Malayali Prathibhakal, we are reproducing the article of Dr. Geeta Radhakrishna which was published in the October 2012 issue of Kerala In Mumbai Magazine.
We hope this regular feature will serve as a meaningful platform to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding Malayalees of Mumbai whose contributions have enriched both the Malayali community and the city they proudly called home.
If you would like to revisit this special feature and learn more about her remarkable journey, please click the link below.
http://keralainmumbai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Geeta-radhakrishna-1.pdf