T. K. Swaminatha Pillai

Thiruvalaputhur Swaminatha Pillai (died 13 March 1972) is an Indian dancer from Tamil Nadu.

Early life

T K Swaminatha Pillai was born as the first son of well-known dancer Kalyani Ammal. His family, which belongs to the Isai Vellalar caste, hails from the Thiruvalaputhur village in the Mayiladudurai taluk of the Tanjore district. Pillai has one younger brother and two younger sisters who were also Bharathanatiyam dancers. The brother is a violinist. Thiruvalaputhur Krishnamoorthy Pillai was awarded Kalai Mamani award from the tamil nadu state government. He accompanied vocalists like M.S.Subbulakshmi, N.C.Vasanthakokilam, Madurai Somu etc.,

Dancing career

As a child, Pillai was not much interested in the studies, and turned his attention towards dance. To learn Bharatanatyam, he became a disciple of the guru Panthanallur Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, spending more than 12 years in his gurukulam. Along with his guru, he conducted several dance events and taught dance to several students. Later, he shifted to Chennai and joined Vazhuvur Ramaiyapillai as a dance teacher.

Family

Swaminatha Pillai has only one son. He was involved in the Indian independence movement, but refused to accept the concessions meant for freedom fighters. He served as a Councilor of Kumbakonam for three consecutive times.

Disciples

Pillai's dance students include Vazhuvur Samraj, L. Vijayalakshmi, Hema Malini and Shripriya.

Awards and recognition

Pillai received the Kalaimamani Award from the Tamil Nadu Government under the chief minister Annadurai. He also received the National Award from the President of India, V. V. Giri.