Murali Mohan Kalvakalva

🪔 About

Murali Mohan Kalvakalva is a distinguished Indian classical dancer, teacher, and choreographer, recognized for his profound contributions to both Bharatanatyam and Kathak. Based in Bangalore, India, he is the co-founder of NADAM (Nartanam Academy of Dance and Music) with his partner, Nandini Mehta. Established around 1999, NADAM has grown to become one of Bangalore's premier institutions for Kathak education. Kalvakalva's Kathak lineage traces back to the Jaipur gharana, where he trained under Dharmashi Shah, a disciple of the revered guru Sunderlal Gangani. He is credited with significantly advancing the Jaipur gharana through his practice and teaching. At NADAM, Kalvakalva and Mehta are known for their distinctive teaching methodology, which emphasizes building a strong foundation in the dance forms rather than merely teaching individual items. They encourage students to engage in rigorous practice to deeply embed the art form within them. Furthermore, NADAM is dedicated to researching unique or forgotten aspects of dance, creating innovative compositions and works with music, often collaborating with musician Praveen D. Rao. Throughout his career, Murali Mohan Kalvakalva has been lauded for his artistic excellence and dedication. He received the Uday Shankar Award for Choreography around 2011 and was honored with the GURU GAURAVA AWARD on April 27, 2024, presented by the Satish Hampiholli Foundation Trust in Bangalore. As a performer, he has showcased his talent in various capacities, including a solo Kathak performance for Rangoli Dance Company in 2009 and numerous joint performances with Nandini Mehta. Beyond his roles as a performer and teacher, Kalvakalva, alongside Nandini Mehta, plays a crucial role in promoting the arts by organizing two annual dance festivals in Bangalore: the Kala NADAM Festival and "Chinna NADAM," a festival specifically for children. These festivals serve as vital platforms for both established and emerging talents in the Indian classical dance community. Awards & Honours: Uday Shankar Award for Choreography (2011), GURU GAURAVA AWARD (2024).