Deepti Omcherry Bhalla

🪔 About

Dr. Deepti Omcherry Bhalla is a renowned Indian classical dancer, vocalist, scholar, and educator, primarily known for her contributions to Mohiniyattam. Born in Delhi in 1957, she received rigorous and versatile training in various art forms from a young age. She was trained in Mohiniyattam by the legendary Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma in Tripunithura, Kerala. Her Kathakali training spanned 12 years under eminent gurus such as Punnathur Madhava Panicker, Gopinath, Sadanam Nandakumar, Nelliyodi Vasudevan Nampoothiri, and Sadanam Balakrishnan. She inherited her Carnatic vocal legacy from her mother, Dr. Leela Omcherry, and also trained with Vidwan T.S. Raghavan. Additionally, she studied Hindustani music under the Dagar brothers and Yunus Hussain Khan. Dr. Bhalla holds a PhD in Carnatic Music from the University of Delhi, where she also earned a gold medal in Carnatic Music and topped her M.Phil. course. She began her academic career at the University of Delhi as an assistant professor in 1985, becoming an associate professor in 1995 and a full professor in 1996. She has served as the Head and Dean of the Faculty of Music and Fine Arts at the University of Delhi. Her research focuses on the music and dance traditions of Kerala, and she has authored scholarly works including "Gleanings in Indian Music," "Vanishing Temple Arts of Kerala," and "Keralatelle Laasya Rachnakal." She has also co-authored several works with her mother. As a performer, Dr. Bhalla is acclaimed for her mastery of Mohiniyattam, particularly her refined expression of *lasya* (graceful femininity). She has pioneered innovative choreographic works, such as "AMSHI – The Unsung Hero of India" and "Mohiniyattam–Kathak Jugalbandi." She has dedicated over 38 years to advancing Indian classical music and dance, performing extensively both nationally and internationally at prestigious festivals. She is a top-graded artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan and is empanelled in the 'Outstanding' category by the ICCR. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2007), Kerala Sangeet Natak Academy Award (2006), SPIC Macay SAMMAN, Narada Gaana Sabha Award, Natya Ratna, Sangeeta Sarva Bhauma, Award of Excellence, Abhivyakti Kala Sangam Award, Nana Miniscreen Award, Delhi Academy of Arts Scholarship, Arirang Master Award (2025).