Veernala Jayarama Rao

Guru Jayarama Rao (born 4 November, 1951) is a Guru and performer of Kuchipudi style, the classical dance of Andhra Pradesh, India. He has extended the Kuchipudi repertoire.

Early life
After his arrival in Delhi, India to open a Kuchipudi school, he has trained many students in this art. Some of his prominent students were Swapna Sundari, Meenakshi Sesadri, and Vanashree Rao, his wife and dance partner.

He is a member of the Expert Committee on Kuchipudi in the HRD Ministry, Govt. of India, and is a senior fellowship holder for his research on Kuchipudi.

Awards and recognitions
He has received the Padma Shri (2004) and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1999), along with Vanashree, given by the hon’ble President of India, The Delhi State Award, and The Andhra Pradesh Samman. He is also the recipient of the Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award (Nov 2003). In 2005, The Sanmukhananda Sabha felicitated him with the Natyaratna Award.