On January 25, 2025, Menaka Naresh had the privilege of interviewing Pooranee Thanjavur Ramesh, an accomplished dancer and Guinness World Record holder known for her mastery of classical, Bollywood, folk, and Western dance for A woman of remarkable talent and dedication, Pooranee shared her journey, achievements, and aspirations in this exclusive conversation.
1. Can you tell us about your childhood and what sparked your passion for dance?
“I started learning dance at the age of six,” Pooranee began, her eyes lighting up as she reminisced about her early years. “My neighbor was a dance teacher, and she became my first guru. As a child, I would often visit her house to play with her daughter while she conducted classes. Watching the students practice their steps ignited something in me-a desire to move and express myself through dance.”
Her natural inclination didn't go unnoticed. “I started mimicking a few basic steps at home, and soon my parents recognized my interest. They enrolled me in classes with my neighbor, marking the beginning of my journey in dance.” As her family later moved to Chennai, her passion continued to blossom under the guidance of eminent teachers. “I had the privilege of learning from Kalai Kovil Raja Sir, under whose tutelage I completed my salangai poojai. Later, I trained with Rajalakshmi Senthilkumar, with whom I achieved my arangetram and earned a Bachelor's degree in Bharatanatyam.” This rich foundation set the stage for Pooranee's exceptional accomplishments, as she evolved from a curious child captivated by movement to a world-renowned dancer.
2. What are your major achievements in the field of dance?
Pooranee Thanjavur Ramesh's journey in dance is adorned with remarkable milestones, each reflecting her dedication and artistry. “One of my most memorable experiences was participating in the International Dance Festival at the Thanjavur Big Temple, which featured dancers from around the world,” she shared. She also had the honor of performing in the Republic Day Parade organized by the Government of Tamil Nadu, with the iconic Selvi J. Jayalalitha Amma as the Chief Guest. “It was an unforgettable moment to be part of such a grand occasion,” she added.
Her achievements include significant world records and prestigious accolades. In 2023, she participated in a Bharatanatyam performance organized by the All Entwined Foundation and Salangai Natyalaya, where an astonishing 12,345 dancers came together, setting a world record. Following this feat, she was bestowed with the title “Kalai Thilakam.” In the subsequent year, she earned her place in the Guinness World Records for participating in the longest Tamil folk performance art lesson at the Rosemont Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Her contributions to the arts have also been recognized with several awards. “I received the Women Appreciation Award from SCA, NJ, for my selfless service to the community through the arts, and the Best Choreography Trophy from Business NJ,” she said. Her talent has been honored internationally, including by the Tamil Nadu Foundation in New York and the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA), where she was celebrated for her versatility and artistic excellence. Adding to her illustrious list of accomplishments, Pooranee was invited to serve on judging panels for classical and non-classical dance competitions at FeTNA 2024 and for the Telugu Fine Arts Society in New Jersey.
Notably, she also holds the title of Mrs. Bharat NJ (Petite) 2024, further showcasing her multifaceted talents. A proud member of the International Dance Council - UNESCO, she continues to elevate the global profile of Indian classical and folk arts.
3. You are known as Kalai Thilakam Pooranee Thanjavur Ramesh. Tell us more about the title.
“I received the title from the All India Entwined Foundation and Salangai Natyalaya Arts Academy in 2023 for my dedication and contributions to the art form,” she shared. Her recognition came after her participation in the Bharatanatyam world record event, where her profile stood out and was shortlisted for the award.
4. Can you tell us about your Guinness record and your experience working towards the achievement?
Pooranee earned her Guinness World Record in 2024 for participating in the longest Tamilian folk performance art lesson. “The training was guided by Rajkumar, a renowned Therukoothu artist and Tamil film director. Despite training via Zoom, he recognized my dedication and entrusted me with training others. This experience deepened my understanding of Therukoothu and its traditions.”
5. How do you physically and mentally prepare yourself before a performance?
“Being mentally prepared is just as important as being physically prepared,” Pooranee emphasized. She practices breathing and relaxation techniques, strengthens her core muscles, and rehearses intricate footwork patterns to perfection. She also maintains a healthy diet and sleep routine to ensure she performs at her best.
6. What makes Bharatanatyam unique from other dance forms?
Pooranee highlighted Bharatanatyam's essence. “Bha stands for Bhuvam (expression), Ra for Ragam (melody), Tha for Thalam (rhythm), and Natyam for dance. Its intricate footwork, abhinaya (facial expressions), and spiritual essence make it unique. It's a highly expressive art form that requires endurance and grace.”
7. What are the characteristics of a Bharatanatyam dancer?
“A dancer must be intelligent, confident, and hardworking,” Pooranee said. “Musical knowledge is essential for synchronization, and cultural awareness is key to connecting with the audience. Above all, respect for one's guru and devotion to God elevate a dancer's art.”
8. How did you start getting offers when you initially came to the USA?
“My first opportunity came through a temple performance during the Navratri festival,” she shared. “From there, people noticed my talent, and opportunities started flowing in, including performances at Dussehra and Diwali festivals organized by the Indo-American Association.”
9. Apart from Bharatanatyam, what are your other hobbies?
“I enjoy Western, Bollywood, and folk dances,” Pooranee said. “I also love drawing, kolams, embroidery, Mehendi art, and makeup. Additionally, I'm a model, which has allowed me to explore a different side of creativity.”
10. Can you tell us more about your pageant experience?
Pooranee Thanjavur Ramesh's journey into the pageant world was both unexpected and transformative. “While I was performing at an event, the CEO of a pageant company, who was the chief guest, noticed me and reached out, encouraging me to participate,” she recalled. “My husband was incredibly supportive and pushed me to give it a try. He encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, and that motivation helped me take the leap.”
Her preparation for the pageant as an enriching experience. “The effort I put in was enormous, and it helped me grow both personally and physically,” she said. “I learned how to present myself, how to stand, walk, pose, talk, and emote as a model. It was a new world for me, and I also gained valuable knowledge about styling—choosing dresses and accessories based on different body types.” The pageant consisted of four rounds, each highlighting different aspects of a contestant's personality and talents. “The first round was the talent round, where I performed Bharatanatyam,” she said. “The second round was the traditional round, and I proudly embraced the South Indian TamBrahm style of saree draping. The third round was the ball gown round, showcasing elegance and poise. Finally, the fourth round was the Q&A round, where we were evaluated on our confidence and ability to articulate thoughts.”
Her hard work paid off as she emerged as the title winner of Mrs. Bharat NJ (Petite) 2024. “It was a proud and humbling moment for me,” she shared. “Winning the pageant opened new doors for me, and now, I'm a model at New York Fashion Week. It's been an incredible journey of self-discovery and growth.”
11. What are the challenges you faced when you initially started your journey here in the USA?
“It was challenging to manage everything on our own—adjusting to a new environment, taking care of kids, and focusing on my career,” she admitted. “But my husband has been my biggest support, encouraging me every step of the way.”
12. What are your future plans?
Looking ahead, Pooranee Thanjavur Ramesh is filled with aspirations to further her artistic journey. “I would really like to work on my own production dances,” she shared with excitement. Her dreams also include performing at some of the most prestigious venues in the United States. “I'm waiting for the opportunity to perform at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the New York Theater Festival,” she added.
With her dedication, talent, and passion for the arts, Pooranee is poised to continue inspiring audiences and leaving her mark on the global stage.
From her early years in India to her inspiring journey in the USA, Pooranee Thanjavur Ramesh's story is one of passion, perseverance, and excellence. Her achievements in Bharatanatyam and beyond continue to inspire aspiring artists and uphold the legacy of Indian classical dance on a global stage.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10tL5jD_9lYprBMLNCRZ5nK5sOgcbRMSQ/view?usp=drivesdk

Interviewer - Menaka Naresh, Dinamalar Reader
Our Oversees Reporter - Mourougavelou Vaithianathan