Kalaimamani Shri Guru Madurai R. Muralidharan is an acclaimed dance Guru (teacher), composer, dancer, choreographer, lyricist, playwright and director best known for his large body of modern compositions for Bharatanatyam dancers and his many elaborate dance musical productions. His works explore the complexities of Bharathanatyam theory and rhythms while remaining accessible and appealing to a modern lay audience. Biography The Times of India's special publication Madhura Geetham, about the artistic heritage of Madurai, recognized Shri Muralidaran as one of the stalwarts of Indian classical dance and music. Shri Muralidaran began his training at age 7 under Guru Kalaimamani Chamundeeswari. He founded Nrithyakshethra Dance Academy in Chennai, India in 1978 and has since trained over 750 dancers as a Dance Guru (teacher). Shri Muralidaran taught nattuvangam and dance to around 4500 students in India and around the world during the pandemic time. He serves on the advisory board of Alagappa University's online degree course program. In November 2022, the National Institute of Education, Government of Sri Lanka, honored him for his services to Bharatanatyam and have included his composition (Varnam in praise of Tamil Annai) in all their schools nationally. Shri Muralidaran has received numerous accolades, most notably the Kalaimamani award from the Tamil Nadu state government for 2019. In addition, Bharath Kalachar has conferred the title of Kala Seva Bharathi upon Shri Muralidaran for his contributions to the field of Indian performing arts, Kartik Fine Awards presented him with the Kartik Award of Excellence in 2021 and Pothy's Parambara Classic Awards named him as Parambara Noothana for his contributions to music composition and dance theatre. Shri Muralidaran has also achieved a number of records certified by Guinness, Asia and India Book of Records, including teaching 359 students an alarippu in Sankeerna Jaathi Dhruva Thalam in 2019, composing 25 varnams in 25 days in 2020 and leading 125 dancers worldwide to present 50 unique jathis on a virtual platform in 2021. He composed, choreographed and taught 698 people a varnam on Tamil Annai (Mother Tamil), setting his third record in the Guinness Book of World Records, an effort which also raised Rs. 10 lakh for the Tamil Nadu Covid Relief Fund. Shri Muraidaran also was given the lifetime achievement award 2022 by Abhai Association of Bharatanatayam Artistes of India. On January 22, 2023, Shri Muralidaran was conferred lifetime achievement award by Niruthia Nithyalaya of Chennai and Natyanjali Academy Association of Malaysia.