Pratibha Prahlad

🪔 About

Prathibha Prahlad, born on January 29, 1962, in Mysuru, India, is a celebrated Bharatanatyam dancer, educator, choreographer, arts administrator, and author. Her passion for dance began at the age of four, leading to early training under U.S. Krishna Rao, Kalanidhi Narayanan, and V.S. Muthuswamy Pillai in Bharatanatyam, and Vempatti Chinna Satya in Kuchipudi. By the age of 20, she was an established professional dancer. With a career spanning over 40 years, Prahlad has performed in more than 85 countries and given over 3000 performances across India. She is recognized for her multi-faceted personality, contributing significantly beyond her performance career as a cultural visionary and culture-feminist activist. She holds a post-graduate degree in Mass Communications, has authored books on dance, contributed articles to newspapers, and produced, directed, and acted in television serials. Prahlad is the Founder Festival Director of the Delhi International Arts Festival (DIAF), India's largest arts festival, which she pioneered and established as an internationally recognized brand. She also founded the Prasiddha Foundation in 1991, dedicated to fostering appreciation for various art forms and promoting cultural exchange, and the Forum For Art Beyond Borders. She serves as the Artistic Director of the Prasiddha Dance Repertory and has served on several government cultural committees, including as the convener of the Culture Committee for the Commonwealth Games 2010. Her exceptional contributions to the arts have been honored with a special 'My Stamp' by the Indian Posts & Telegraphs Department. Awards & Honours: Padma Shri (2016), Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Bharatanatyam (2001), Karnataka State Government Award (2001), Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award (2001), Kala Shiromani Puraskaar (2001), Karnataka Kalasri (Sangeet Nritya Academy Award, Karnataka Government) (1997), Mahila Shiromani Award (1995), Natya Bharati (1995), Orissa Cine Critics Award for Best Dancer (1991), Singaramani (1987), Bangalore's Woman of the Decade (2000).