About the Author
Rajee Mani has lived in Chennai for more than half a century, and has imbibed a deep rooted love for Indian culture and tradition. She was formerly a teacher at Vidyodaya Schools, and now is a free lance journalist and columnist. On Thukkada, she pours her heart out on many topics, and shares her expertise on subjects related to culture, traditions, art, music, dance, and other performing arts.
Hailing from the family of saint poet Sri Kavi Kunjara Bharathi, Rajee Mani's interest in music is not surprising. When writing about music, she feels more like a Rasika than a critic. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Sai award, Sahiridaya Vimarshaka Sundaram.
In her youth, Rajee Mani was a student of dance, and always looks forward to and enjoys attending dance performances. For her, classical dance and music are pathways, opening up the road of devotion to reach God.
Rajee Mani has always had a passion for Indian art and handicrafts. This has resulted in her picking up different kinds of crafts from all the diverse states of India. This gave her opportunities to write about the different arts she has experienced in her travels around India.
Rajee Mani's interest in Architecture was revealed when she decided to renovate and redesign her heritage house at Nungambakam. The plan was made with the aim of bringing out the national integration of the wondurful ancient art forms of India. The house has won multiple awards for its designing and decorations, and has been covered by many magazines and tv channels. Now, she gives consultation to many people who wanted to create similar houses, and writes about ancient architecture across India.