Raghunath Manet is not just an artist; he is a phenomenon who has carried the essence of Indian classical culture to international heights. Born in the Union Territory of Puducherry, Manet’s life reflects the perfect confluence of tradition and innovation. Trained in Bharatanatyam and a virtuoso on the Veena, he has risen as one of the most versatile cultural ambassadors of India.
A French classical musician, composer, dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, writer, and actor, Raghunath Manet has built a career that transcends borders, genres, and generations. He is admired for his ability to fuse Indian classical arts with contemporary expressions, creating performances that move audiences worldwide.
Raghunath Manet: Early Life and Training in the Arts
From a young age, Raghunath was captivated by the sculptures and drawings on the walls of temples in Tanjore and Villenour. They served not only as visual inspiration but also as silent teachers of rhythm, posture, and grace. Trained under some of the greatest masters of Bharatanatyam, he developed a deep spiritual connection with the dance form.
Simultaneously, he mastered the Veena, a stringed instrument revered in Carnatic music, which became his voice of devotion and creativity. His early life in Pondicherry, a town enriched by both French and Indian influences, gave him the dual cultural lens that later shaped his global career.
An International Career of Collaboration
Raghunath Manet’s artistry has no boundaries. His collaborations include celebrated global icons such as Gilberto Gil, Aldo Brizzi, Archie Shepp, Carolyn Carlson, Richard Galliano, Didier Lockwood, Michel Portal, Dr. Balamurali Krishna, and Drums Sivamani.
He has enchanted audiences at iconic venues like the Opéra-Bastille in Paris, Shakespeare’s Globe in London, Teatro Olympico in Rome, and the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. His presence has also graced prestigious events organized by Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Chanel, and Karl Lagerfeld, making him a cultural figure admired not only by art lovers but also by the world of fashion and luxury.
Raghunath Manet: Recognition and Awards
The world has recognized Raghunath Manet’s role in bridging cultures through art. Some of his notable accolades include:
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Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (2017) – India’s highest honor for overseas Indians, awarded by the President of India for promoting Indian arts and culture in France.
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Officier des Arts et des Lettres (2016) and Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (2005) – Prestigious honors from the French Ministry of Culture.
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Kalaimamani Award (2023) – Bestowed by the Government of Pondicherry for excellence in the arts.
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GOPIO Community Service Award (2011) – Recognizing his cultural contributions in Jaipur.
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Best Performer Award (2014) – At the Chennai Music and Dance Festival.
These honors reflect his global impact as a cultural torchbearer.
A Journey in Cinema and Filmmaking
Raghunath Manet has also made significant contributions to world cinema. As an actor, he starred alongside Robert Hossein in Noni, le fruit de l’espoir presented at Cannes in 2018. He also acted in Diamant Noir by Arthur Harari, Le journal d’un séducteur with Jean-Pierre Léaud and Chiara Mastroianni, and Perduto Amor by Franco Battiato.
As a filmmaker, his works reflect spiritual and cultural depth. Films like Dance of Shiva, Karma, Yoga: The 7th Chakra, The Bayadères of Pondicherry, and Réincarnation/Rebirth show his unique vision of blending art, spirituality, and storytelling. He is currently completing his feature film Retour à Pondichéry (Back to Pondicherry), a heartfelt cinematic return to his roots.
Performances That Made History
Some of his remarkable international performances include:
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2022: Amor Azul with Gilberto Gil & Aldo Brizzi
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2020: Temple to Stage for Monte-Carlo Sporting Club Awards
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2017: Veena Concert at Petit Palais, Paris
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2008: Collaboration with jazz legend Archie Shepp at New Morning, Paris
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2006: Duo performance with Carolyn Carlson at Lille 3000
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2003: Performance with Indra Rajan at Opéra-Bastille, Paris
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