Anita R Ratnam, born on May 21, 1954, in Madurai, India, is a distinguished Indian classical and contemporary dancer, choreographer, and cultural commentator. Trained in Bharatanatyam under Adyar K. Lakshman and at Rukmini Devi Arundale's Kalakshetra, she also studied Kathakali and Mohiniattam. Ratnam earned a Master's degree in Theatre and Television from the University of New Orleans and spent a decade as a television producer in the United States, earning Emmy nominations. Upon returning to India, she founded the Arangham Trust in 1992 to promote performing arts and created the dance portal Narthaki.com in 2000. Ratnam has developed a unique dance style termed 'Neo Bharatam,' blending classical forms with contemporary elements. Her notable works include 'Naachiyar Next,' a reimagining of the story of Andal, and 'A Million Sitas,' which explores female perspectives in the Ramayana. She has received several accolades, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for contemporary dance in 2016.