Kamala initially learnt Bharatnatyam from K.Muthukumara Pillai. She then came under the tutelage of her guru and mentor Vashuvoor B.Ramaya Pillai. From Ramanad Krishna she learnt Carnatic music. Later, in Bombay, she also learnt Kathak under Pandit sunder Orasad and Lacchu Maharaj.

Kamala performed her aragetram in 1941 and soon became the most popular exponent of Bharatanatyam in the post renaissance era, dominating the scene for over three decades. Proficient in all aspects of the art – pure dance, abhinaya and music – she eloquently articulated through her dance the precision and grace of the Vazhuvoor bani. Her impeccable performances with her guru as nattuvanar have been some of the memorable dance events of our times. Her dance sequences in Indian cinema have been equally noteworthy. Indeed, Kamala has been a role model for a whole generatin of new entrants in Bharatanatyam.

Kamala has more than 120 compositions of her own covering the entire margam and including several dance-dramas. She has received many honours including the Kalai sigamani title given by the Tamil nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram in 1967, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1968) and the Padma Bhushan (1970).