Raghunath Manet

Raghunath Manet is a renowned Indian-born French musician, composer, and Bharatanatyam dancer, born in Puducherry in 1958. He is highly skilled in both classical dance and Carnatic music, particularly known for playing the veena. 

Manet began learning Bharatanatyam at a young age and trained under respected gurus, developing deep expertise in one of South India’s oldest classical dance forms. Alongside dance, he also studied Carnatic music and became an accomplished veena player. His ability to combine music and dance has made him a unique figure in Indian classical arts. 

He moved to France in the 1980s, where he played a significant role in promoting Indian classical culture across Europe. Over the years, he has performed at prestigious venues worldwide, including the Opéra-Bastille in Paris and other major stages across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. His performances are known for blending traditional Indian elements with global artistic influences. 

Raghunath Manet has collaborated with many internationally acclaimed artists such as Gilberto Gil, Archie Shepp, Didier Lockwood, and Indian legend M. Balamuralikrishna. These collaborations reflect his versatility and his ability to connect Indian classical traditions with jazz, contemporary, and world music styles. 

In addition to music and dance, Manet is also a filmmaker, writer, and actor. He has worked in several films and created documentaries such as Dance of Shiva and Karma, showcasing Indian culture and spirituality. His creative work often explores themes of tradition, spirituality, and cultural exchange. 

Throughout his career, he has received numerous prestigious awards. In 2017, he was honored with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, one of India’s highest recognitions for overseas Indians, for promoting Indian culture in France. He has also received the French honors “Chevalier” and “Officier des Arts et des Lettres,” recognizing his contribution to the arts. 

Overall, Raghunath Manet is considered a cultural ambassador who has dedicated his life to spreading Indian classical music and dance globally, bridging the gap between Eastern traditions and Western audiences.