Padma Subrahmanyam is a Bharatanatyam dancer recognized as one of the leading exponents of the art form. She is also a research scholar, choreographer, teacher, Indologist and author. She has received Padma Shri in 1981 and Padma Bhushan in 2003, which are among the highest civilian awards of India. During her dancing career, she has received more than 100 awards.