Praveen Kumar

🪔 About

P. Praveen Kumar, born on January 25, 1971, in Bangalore, India, is an acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer, nattuvanar, and choreographer. Hailing from a family of artists, he displayed an early inclination towards dance. He received his initial formal training in Bharatanatyam under the guidance of the eminent Guru Smt. Narmada in Bangalore, where he focused on mastering the fundamental adavus and hastas of the Tanjore style. He further advanced his training under the tutelage of Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar, with whom he continues to study. Kumar holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and was awarded a scholarship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, to deepen his expertise in dance, encompassing its aesthetic depths, nritta (pure dance), and abhinaya (expressive storytelling). With a career spanning over two decades, Praveen Kumar is renowned for his solo performances and innovative productions that blend traditional Bharatanatyam with contemporary themes. His critically acclaimed choreographies explore diverse subjects, including climate change in 'Rtu Vismruthi', interpersonal relationships in 'Loka Bandhavyam', and the bhakti traditions of Pandharpur. Other notable works include 'Vani', 'Shiva Sutra Jaala', 'Sakha', and 'Anagha Vilasa'. As an accomplished nattuvanar, he leads orchestras with precision, integrating music, rhythm, and narrative. Kumar is an 'A' grade artist on Doordarshan and has been an empanelled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) since 2008, representing Indian classical dance internationally. He is the founder of the Chithkala School of Dance in Basavanagudi, Bangalore, an institution committed to preserving traditional teaching methods while encouraging students to develop their individual artistic styles. Through his mentorship, he has nurtured numerous disciples who have achieved recognition, secured government scholarships, and performed at major festivals. Awards & Honours: Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (Sangeet Natak Akademi) (2010), Mohan Khokar Award (2010), Karnataka Kalasri (Karnataka Sangeeta Nrutya Academy) (2021), Obul Reddy Endowment Senior Dancer Award (Natyarangam, Chennai) (2016), Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Yuva Prathibha Puraskar (Srjan, Bhubaneswar) (2016), Best Dancer of the Season (The Madras Music Academy) (2018), Best Dancer of the Season (The Madras Music Academy) (2019), Chandana Prashasthi (Bangalore Doordarshan) (2017).