Adrija Das, also known as Adrija Panicker, is a Kerala-based Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, dance educator, writer and social activist. She is particularly recognised for her work in Indian classical dance and for advocating greater visibility and inclusion for transgender artists. Recent profiles describe her as a prominent transgender classical dancer from Kerala.
Journey in Classical Dance
Adrija’s relationship with dance began at a very young age. She has said that her elder sisters were her earliest influences, and that she initially learned by watching and imitating them before beginning formal Bharatanatyam training.
Over the years, she trained under several teachers, including Jeevan, Thiruvallom Sundaresan, RLV Raghu Narayanan, Varanadu Saji, Pattom G. Sanil Kumar and Kalakshetra Jisha Raghav. She has also credited Dr. G. Ratheesh Babu with helping introduce her to the professional dance world and dancer Rajashree Warrier with strengthening her understanding of abhinaya, or expressive performance.
Her experience with gender identity also became closely connected with her artistic journey. Adrija has spoken about dance as a way of understanding and expressing her authentic self, rather than viewing her body or identity as a limitation.
Major Achievements
Adrija has achieved several significant milestones in classical dance. She is a Doordarshan A-grade Bharatanatyam artist and has been empanelled with SPIC MACAY, allowing her to introduce classical dance to younger audiences.
She received the Natwar Gopi Krishna National Award from the All India Dancers Association and later served as a jury member for the organisation in 2022. One of her most personally significant performances was at the Koothambalam of Kerala Kalamandalam, a venue with an important place in Kerala’s performing-arts tradition.
Another major milestone came when Adrija became the first transgender jury member at the Kerala School Kalolsavam. Her presence as a judge was seen as an important step towards greater representation of transgender artists within Kerala’s mainstream cultural institutions. She has also served as a Bharatanatyam judge at the Mahatma Gandhi University youth festival.
Theatre and Choreography
Adrija’s artistic work extends beyond traditional Bharatanatyam performances. She is also involved in choreography and experimental dance theatre.
In February 2026, she scripted, directed and choreographed Ast Geron, a stage production inspired by the life of Russian-American writer Elena O. Labedeva. The production combined dance, theatre and technology with cinematic-style storytelling and explored themes including love, sacrifice and relationships beyond gender.
She has also continued performing at established cultural festivals. In 2026, she was among the Bharatanatyam performers selected for the Chilanka Dance and Music Festival organised at Vyloppilli Samskrithi Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram.
Activism and Public Life
Beyond performing arts, Adrija has participated in discussions surrounding gender awareness, transgender representation and inclusion. In 2023, she was invited as the guest of honour for Mahatma Gandhi University’s symposium on Transgender Awareness and Gender Sensitization.
More recently, she has also become involved in political and public life, describing her ambitions as extending beyond her personal artistic career. She has spoken about using both art and public platforms to advocate dignity, equality and opportunities for marginalised communities.
Overall, Adrija Panicker’s public identity brings together classical dance, teaching, choreography, writing and activism. Her achievements; particularly becoming Kerala School Kalolsavam’s first transgender jury member, have made her a notable figure in discussions around transgender representation in Kerala’s classical arts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adrija Panicker
Adrija Panicker, also known as Adrija Das, is a Kerala-based Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, educator, writer and activist. She is also a prominent transgender artist.
She is best known for her career in Bharatanatyam and for becoming the first transgender jury member at the Kerala School Kalolsavam.
Yes. Adrija has trained in Bharatanatyam under several respected gurus and is recognised as a Doordarshan A-grade Bharatanatyam artist.
One of her notable honours is the Natwar Gopi Krishna National Award from the All India Dancers Association. She later served as a jury member for the same organisation in 2022.
Yes. In addition to classical dance, Adrija works in choreography and dance theatre. In 2026, she scripted, directed and choreographed the cinematic-style stage production Ast Geron.