Bharati Shivaji, a leading exponent of the classical dance form Mohini Attam, has played a pivotal role in the revival and stage adaptation of this art that originated in mediaeval Kerala in southern India. Trained in Mohini Attam under Radha Marar, Kalamandalam Satyabhama and the renowned guru Kalyani Kutty Amma, Bharati spent many years researching literary, sculptural and musical sources and meeting traditional gurus for glimpses of the origins of this lyrical dance art. This work under the guidance of the well known scholar and dramatist Kavalam Narayana Panicker has helped her to reconstruct and expand the Mohini Attam repertoire.

Bharati also received training in Bharata Natyam from the veteran Lalita Sastri and has performed both styles to acclaim all over India and in many countries of Europe, Latin America, Africa, South East Asia and West Asia. Her Mohini Attam is marked by extreme grace and fluidity of movement, while the hallmark of her Bharata Natyam is geometrical precision and technical finesse.

Founder of the Centre for Mohini Attam in New Delhi, Bharati has trained many young aspirants in this difficult style. She is known for the innovations she has introduced to ensure the vibrant appeal of Mohini Attam among contemporary audiences and for the dance drama productions she has choreographed. She is also the author of a book, The Art of Mohini Attam.

Bharati Shivaji has received many honours including the Government of Delhi's Sahitya Kala Parishad award, She was conferred the title of Nritya Choodamani from the Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai and of Lasya Lakshmi from the Kunjan Nambiar Memorial Trust, Kerala.