Ms. Leela Samson has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi for a term of 5 years . Ms. Leela Samson is an eminent dancer and an outstanding representative of Kalakshetra, the famed institute of classical arts founded by Late Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale. She has choreographed a number of group and solo compositions in Bharat Natyam to high critical and audience acclaim.Ms. Leela Samson has received many honours including the prestigious Padmashri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.