After 13 years of studying, Mrs. Kumar travelled to India to further her knowledge in Bharatanatyam. There, she was trained under the tutelage of renowned Kalakshetra master, the late ‘Padmashri’ Adyar K Lakshman, his brother Shriman Rama Rao, and his sister Shrimathi Nagamani Rao of Bangalore. She also received training in dance drama choreography from ‘Padmashri’ Mrs. Chandra K.N. Dhandayuthapani Pillai and learned Nattuvangam from the late ‘Padmashri’ Adyar K. Lakshman.In addition, she also had initial vocal training under ‘Thavil Vidhvan’ V. Doraimani and ‘Oduvar’ Ratnasababathi Desikar. She also learned Veenai under Salem Jayalakshmi. Today, Mrs. P. Malliga Kumar is a devoted teacher and is highly committed to the art form. She has received multiple recognition for her unique choreography and innovative presentation of the divine art form.

Mrs. Kumar’s accolades include the title ‘Natya Maamani’ by the Malaysian Indian Writers Association in May 1993. She also received the ‘Best Dance Guru MTA Award 2008’ in December 2009 by the Malaysian Tamil Artistes Association. In 2022, she was configured the title ‘Natya Seva’ by Malaysian Bharatanatyam Dance Association (MBDA). Over the years, Kalakendira Dance Academy has conducted numerous Salangai Poojai and Arangetrams. Additionally, it has produced various dance programs to raise funds for temples, charities, and international events such as the Pacific Asia Tourism Association Conference (PATA) and Tamil Research Conferences in Kuala Lumpur and Mauritius.