In October 1972, Kalasagara, Academy of Fine arts was founded by Sri. Ramaswamy and Smt. Radhamani, the parents of Malathy Thothadri and Usha Raghavan. With a handful of students for Veena and Bharatanatyam, the institution started in an apartment in Annanagar, Madras.

The primary aim of Kalasagara has always been to impart training in the fine arts to students with total dedication and strict adherence to tradition.

Malathy Thothadri, the elder of the sisters, has a B.A & B.T in music from the Madras University. In addition, she has been trained in Bharatanatyam, Carnatic vocal music and the veena from the eminent gurus, Smt. Lalitha, Sri Palaiyur Venkataramaiyyar and Sri. Pichumani Iyer.

As years passed, the number of students increased and Kalasagara moved to its present location in Annanagar.

With a small auditorium built for the purpose of classes and performances, Kalasagara blossomed into a major institution. As Director of Kalasagara, Malathy expanded the institution to cater to the needs and wishes of the growing number of students from all walks of life-from not only Madras but also abroad.

Flute, Carnatic vocal singing and Mridangam classes were also introduced over the years. While Malathy Thothadri heads the institution, Usha Raghavan has been associated with the dance department till date as the Artistic Director.

The other faculty of this institution are Radha Venkateswaran, Rajamani Santhanam, Umashankar, Sudharshana Thothadri, Prasanna Thothadri and Harini Parthasarathy.

In 1992, Kalasagara Music Circle was inaugurated; almost every month, a concert was organised in the institution. Leading vidwans like Sri. Seshagopalan, Sri. Pichumani Iyer, Sri Trichur Ramachandran, Smt.E. Gayathri, Sri. T.V Sankaranarayanan as well as budding artists have performed for Kalasagara Music Circle, the main aims of which are the propagation of music in Annanagar and promotion of talented young artists who deserve recognition.

Having completed more than three decades, Kalasagara has been celebrating its anniversaries with colourful performances by the students.

Dance dramas like
Rama Bhakti on Saint Tyagaraja, Valli Thirumanam,
Basmasura Vadham,
Andal,
Sri Kanchi Kamakshi,
Meenakshi Kalyanam and thematic presentations on Bharatiyar songs, Krishnanjali, Navavidha Bhakthi and Arunagiri Kanda Azhagar have been choreographed by the directors and staged all over Tamil Nadu and in dance festivals.

Generations have changed and children of past students come to Kalasagara to learn dance and music. Over the years, Malathy Thothadri and Usha Raghavan have enriched their fortes and widened their vistas with their global experiences.

As the roots of Kalasagara are spreading far and wide in India and abroad, the directors' dedication and sincerity have won them admiration from an enthusiastic band of art lovers and students from all over the world.