Padma Shri Devayani is a foremost eminent exponent of the Classical Indian Dance style Bharatanatyam in the world. This celebrated French artiste has performed all over India and the world. An empaneled artiste with ICCR and in the 'Outstanding Artistes' category in the Ministry of Culture, she is a pioneer and trendsetter in many ways. She is the first French Classical Dancer and Foreign artiste to have made it to this elite list in India.