Our heritage

Tradition woven
with excellence

Since 1950, every costume that leaves our Mylapore atelier carries the same promise — hand-set pleats, honest silk and a fitting done in person. This is the journey, and the milestones you helped us reach.

“Every stitch tells a story of dedication and heritage.”

Dancer in a Raj Sridhar Costumes handcrafted Bharatanatyam costume

1,950

Mr. Narayanaswamy, chief costumer at Gemini Studios

3rd

Generation of the same family at the cutting table

100+

Countries our costumes are worn in

1

Title: Natana Udai Alankara Nipunar

Celebrating our journey

Legacy of craftsmanship

From humble beginnings to a trusted name in dance costumes — three chapters that shaped the atelier.

Chief costumer at Gemini Studios
1950–1955

Chief costumer at Gemini Studios

Mr. Narayanaswamy began his costuming and tailoring career as chief costumer at Gemini Studios, and from 1955 built a name dressing the South Indian screen — among them Vyjayanthimala, Jayalalithaa and Padmini. He came to be regarded as one of the finest Bharatanatyam costume designers of his time.

Balaraman learns at the age of 18
Second generation

Balaraman learns at the age of 18

His son Balaraman joined him at eighteen, learning measurement, stitching technique and design planning at his father's side. His work went on to appear in films including Chandralekha and Avvaiyar, and he was honoured with the title Natana Udai Alankara Nipunar.

The family's own shop
Tambaram to the world

The family's own shop

Balaraman opened the family's first shop in Tambaram, stitching for dance schools across the city. From there the work travelled to the USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Dubai — and is carried on today by the third generation.

Honouring tradition

Words we stitch by

A few lines that hang above the cutting table.

Crafting tradition with passion for generations.

Every stitch tells a story of dedication and heritage.

Preserving the elegance of Indian classical dance through timeless craftsmanship.

Our journey is woven with trust, tradition, and excellence.

Celebrating milestones that inspire generations of dancers.

A legacy built on quality, artistry, and passion.

Milestones & memories

Awards & achievements

Awards, certificates, appreciation letters, media coverage, exhibitions and the customer moments we treasure most.

Manage gallery

Nothing filed under this chapter yet

New honours are added as they arrive at the atelier.

Where heritage meets elegance

Inspired by tradition. Crafted with perfection.

Bring us your date and your guru's preference — we will bring the silk, the zari and nearly five decades of practice.