Balkar Singh Sidhu

🪔 About

Balkar Singh Sidhu, born on August 12, 1952, in Makhann-Windi village, Amritsar district, Punjab, India, is a distinguished figure in Indian folk dance and theatre. His lifelong fascination with the diverse folk and tribal dances of Punjab began in childhood. He received formal training under Mohinder Singh between 1976 and 1978 while serving in government. Sidhu holds a postgraduate degree in Punjabi literature and a diploma in translation. Notably, he also possesses a Diploma in Bharatnatyam and a Sangeet Bhushan, indicating a broader engagement with Indian dance forms. Throughout his extensive career, Sidhu has showcased his artistry as a director, actor, dancer, and choreographer in numerous stage and street plays, as well as sound and light shows, collaborating with prominent directors. He has represented Indian culture internationally, participating in cultural troupes to Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, and presenting Punjabi folk dances in countries including the USA, Canada, England, South Korea, and the Czech Republic. He has also conducted training and workshops on Punjabi folk dances in academic and other institutions both in India and abroad, and is actively involved with several theatre and cultural associations. He is currently engaged in imparting acting skills and training in various Punjabi dance forms like Bhangra, Jhoomar, Luddi, Gidha, and Sammi to younger generations in Punjab. Sidhu's professional journey also includes a period as an Investigator with the Labour Bureau, Government of India, from 1971 to 1986. He later served with the Language Department, Government of Punjab, retiring as an Assistant Director in 2010. From 2018 to 2021, he was the Director of the Tagore Theatre Society in Chandigarh. Subsequently, he became the Secretary of the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi, where he currently serves as the Vice-Chairman. He has also acted in several Punjabi and Hindi films and television serials and has numerous publications, recordings, and films to his credit. For his significant contributions to the folk dance of Punjab, Balkar Singh Sidhu was honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2020. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2020).