✦ Member of International Dance Council-UNESCO · Founder & Artistic Director of RRWD ✦
About Raniya Raanaa
Actress, Dancer, Choreographer, Educator, Philanthropist, Social Worker.
The Founder
A Life Devoted to Classical Arts
Raniya Raanaa is an Indian actress, Indian classical dancer, educator, social worker, and philanthropist, and a proud Member of the International Dance Council (CID), UNESCO. She began her dance journey at the age of four and has dedicated more than two decades to the study, performance, and teaching of Indian classical arts.
As the Founder and Artistic Director of Raanaa International School of Indian Classical Dance, Music & Yoga (RRWD), she has built a global community connecting students across 20+ countries with the living tradition of Indian classical dance.
- UNESCO-CID Member — International Dance Council, Paris
- B.A. & M.A. in Dance (Bharatanatyam) — Kerala Kalamandalam alumna
- Female lead — blockbuster Malayalam film Prince and Family
- International performer — USA, Australia, UAE & global stage tours
Classical Foundation
The Artistic Legacy
Raniya Raanaa began her Bharatanatyam journey at the age of four. At twelve, she entered the prestigious Kerala Kalamandalam, where she completed her High School and Higher Secondary education in Dance, receiving intensive training in classical arts.
She later earned her B.A. in Dance (Bharatanatyam) from Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, and her M.A. in Dance (Bharatanatyam) from St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam — building a rigorous academic and practical foundation in Indian classical dance.
- Trained from age 4 — 20+ years of dedicated practice
- Kerala Kalamandalam — 6 years of intensive classical training
- B.A. in Bharatanatyam — Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit
- M.A. in Bharatanatyam — St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam
International Performer
USA · Australia · UAE · Global Stage Tours
Global Cultural Presence
International Performances
As a performing artist, Raniya Raanaa has presented Indian classical dance and full-scale dance productions on international platforms — including performances and dance tours in the United States and other global stages. She continues to share the richness of Indian classical dance with international audiences.
At age 18, she founded Raanaa International School of Indian Classical Dance, Music & Yoga (RRWD) — today a global community connecting students across 20+ countries with the authentic traditions of Indian classical arts.
- International dance tours — United States & beyond
- Dance productions on international platforms
- Founded RRWD at age 18 — now in 20+ countries
From Stage to Screen
Cinema & Philanthropy
Prince and Family — Malayalam Film
Raniya Raanaa made her female-lead debut as Chinju Elsa Rani (Chinju Rani) in the blockbuster Malayalam film Prince and Family — which enjoyed an extended theatrical run of more than 100 days, marking a major milestone in her cinematic career.
Social Work
From a young age, Raniya Raanaa has been actively involved in social service and philanthropic initiatives. Her efforts have included reaching communities across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting communities affected by the 2018 Kerala floods, and assisting cancer patients and individuals requiring critical medical treatment and surgeries. Through these initiatives, she continues to extend her work beyond the performing arts, contributing to community welfare and supporting individuals and families during times of need.
Cultural Education & Advocacy
As a cultural educator, Raniya Raanaa is dedicated to making authentic Indian classical arts accessible worldwide through RRWD, with a structured syllabus rooted in traditional and cultural values. She focuses on artistic development, preservation of classical practices, and nurturing each student’s individual artistic identity while creating global opportunities to learn, practise, and engage with India’s rich cultural heritage.
Pedagogy
Teaching Philosophy
Authentic
Every student begins with foundational Adavus, Mudras, and Abhinaya, establishing a strong classical foundation while nurturing individual artistic expression. Our training empowers students to discover and develop their unique artistic style, identity, and expressive abilities through dance.
Individual Attention
Small, limited-size batches ensure every learner receives personal guidance, real-time corrections, and encouragement tailored to their pace. Two experienced teachers guide each class for maximum attention.
International Certification
Upon completing 150 hours of training, RRWD students receive an International Certification of Dance Studies from the UNESCO International Dance Council (CID), Paris — recognised worldwide.
Global Reach — 20+ Countries
Live online sessions with weekday and weekend batches, scheduled across different global time zones, enable students from around the world to receive the same standard of classical training. No age limit — Beginner to Advanced levels.
Awards Recognition
Women Face of the Year — India
National Recognition · Recipient
Honoured with the prestigious Women Face of the Year Award in India, recognising her contributions to the performing arts, cultural education, and social service, and honoured as the Strongest Young Woman for her inspiring achievements and dedication to society.
Recognition — Indian Cultural Association Victoria (ICAV)
ICAV, Australia · Recipient
Recognised by the Indian Cultural Association Victoria (ICAV), Australia, for her services in promoting Indian classical arts and culture at an international level.
Nritya Choodamani Award
Classical Arts Felicitation · Recipient
A distinguished honour recognising excellence and mastery in Indian classical dance, presented at an International Dance Festival.
Member — International Dance Council (CID)
UNESCO, Paris · Active
Proud Member of the International Dance Council (CID) — UNESCO, Paris, France, recognised as the world’s largest international organisation dedicated to dance.
Women’s Pride Award
Community Recognition · Recipient
Recipient of the Women's Pride Award for her inspiring contributions to classical arts, social service, and cultural education for communities worldwide.
Manorama The Entertainer of the Year — Upcoming Actress
Manorama, Kerala · 2025
Honoured as Manorama The Entertainer of the Year in the Upcoming Actress category (2025) — recognising her breakthrough female-lead debut in the blockbuster Malayalam film Prince and Family.