Born on December 16th 1933, in Chitoor District of Andhra Pradesh, Sri. Lakshman was scouted at a very early age for his unusual rhythmic and musical talents, and taken to Kalakshetra. Lakshman began his education at Kalakshetra in 1944 when he was 11 years old. He had the good fortune to receive his early training and exposure to the classical arts from Rukmini Devi herself. He had the best guides and mentors in his rigorous training in vocal music, Bharatanatyam, mridangam and nattuvangam. Though he was originally accepted as a music student because of his beautiful singing, Rukmini Devi later suggested that he take up dance as a physical exercise!

His many years of study and interaction with Kalakshetra's artists provided rich and meaningful experience to him. Rukmini Devi saw Lakshman's talents develop even during the initial years of his education. Upon his graduation she gave him the opportunity to take part in Kalakshetra's world famous dance productions.

Lakshman is one of the privileged few to have shared the stage with Rukmini Devi when she danced in her productions. Upon Rukmini Devi's invitation,he began teaching at Kalakshetra at the age of 22. Lakshman also began broadcasting his vocal music concerts over All India Radio station in 1958.

On leaving Kalakshetra, he taught for more than a decade in Vyjayantimala Bali's school Natyalaya. He founded his own dance school BharataChoodamani Academy of Fine Arts on August 22, 1969. Trained in close adherence to the traditional Kalakshetra style, many of his star students have established their own dance schools in India and abroad.