Bharatanatyam dancer Rukmini Chatterjee gets French honour 'Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters'

New Delhi, Mar 26 Bharatanatyam dancer Rukmini Chatterjee on Tuesday received the insignia of Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres at the French Embassy here. Ambassador of France to India Thierry Mathou said that this distinction is conferred in recognition of Chatterjee’s artistic achievements across the globe and her contribution to the Indo-French cultural relationship through the performing arts. “In France, Rukmini Chatterjee has brought Indian dance traditions to the most prestigious French venues; in India, she has been instrumental throughout the years in helping the French Embassy tour the best of our national artistes and cultural representatives, putting them in touch with major venues across the country and key local partners. Trained in Bharatanatyam under Mrinalini Sarabhai, Chatterjee has performed at prestigious venues in France, including Maison des métallos in Paris, National Theatre of Odeon and the Châteauvallon theatre, as well as eminent international festivals such as the festival Quartier d’été in Paris, Festival of Arles, the Biennale of Lyon, and the Lille 3000 festival.