About
Biography
Ramyani Roy is an Indian classical Kathakali dancer based in Kolkata, recognized for her work in a dance tradition that has historically been performed primarily by male artists. She pursued formal training in Kathakali and completed a master's degree in the subject from Rabindra Bharati University in 2007 with first-class honors. Her early artistic exposure included guidance from Mamata Shankar, and she later received training in Kathakali under Kalamandalam Venkit and Preetha Venkit, building a strong foundation in the classical performance techniques of the form.
As a performer, Ramyani Roy is known for portraying a range of Kathakali characters, including complex roles traditionally associated with male performers. She has presented Paccha Vesham characters, representing heroic and divine personalities, such as Chand Sadagar, in the production Padma Vijaya Gatha. Her performances continue to appear on various classical dance platforms, including productions such as Kalyan Sundarika, in which she portrayed Daksha Prajapati at Howrah Sarat Sadan in 2026. Through these performances, she contributes to expanding the visibility of Kathakali beyond its traditional geographic and cultural boundaries.
Alongside performing, Ramyani Roy is active as a teacher and promoter of the art form. She founded the Prayas Centre for Performing Arts in 2007, where she trains students in Kathakali and works to encourage the next generation of performers. She is also known for advocating the preservation of the authentic or “shuddha” form of Kathakali, emphasizing the importance of correct technique, costume traditions, and performance discipline. Her public visibility increased through appearances on Bengali television shows such as Dadagiri Unlimited and Didi No. 1, where she was recognized as a runner-up.