Pulikeshi K R V

🪔 About

Pulikeshi Kasturi is a distinguished figure in Indian classical dance, renowned as a Bharatanatyam dancer, nattuvangist, teacher, and choreographer. He received his initial Bharatanatyam training under Smt. Lalitha Srinivasan, a senior disciple of Venkatalakshamma, and Smt. Narmada, a disciple of Kittappa Pillai. He also underwent rigorous training in various aspects of dance from his brother, Prasanna Kasthuri. Further enriching his artistic foundation, he trained under Smt. Ranjani Ganesan, an alumna of Kalakshetra. Pulikeshi Kasturi holds a Master's degree in Dance from Bangalore University and a Bachelor's degree in Choreography from the Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography, where he was guided by Guru Dr. Maya Rao Natarajan. Guru Maya Rao also initiated him into the art of Kathak. He completed his Bharatanatyam Vidwat and Rangapravesha in 1996. Throughout his career, Pulikeshi Kasturi has performed extensively across India and internationally, including in the U.S., Iraq, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. His performances have graced prestigious events such as the Hampi Utsava, Soorya Festival, Banga Mela in the U.S. (2001), Asian Festival in Columbus-Ohio (2006), and multiple AKKA conventions in Chicago (2008), New Jersey (2010), and Atlanta (2012), as well as the 10th American Natya Festival (2018). As a leading nattuvangist, Pulikeshi Kasturi is highly acclaimed for his strong hold on laya (rhythm) and perfect pronunciation, making him a sought-after accompanist for prominent Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancers like Vani Ganapathi, Prathibha Prahlad, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, and Vyjayanthi Kashi. He has choreographed numerous traditional items like pushpanjali, jathiswaras, and tillanas, alongside dance ballets such as "Bakasura Vadha," "Kirataarjuniya," and "Veera Raghava Vyayoga." Pulikeshi Kasturi is the artistic director of Shantala Arts Academy in Bangalore, where he trains students in Bharatanatyam and Nattuvangam. He has also conducted nattuvangam workshops in various cities in India and the U.S. His contributions to the art form have been recognized with awards such as the senior scholarship from the Department of Culture, Government of India (1996-98), Kinkini's "Best Nattuvanar of the decade," and the Aryabhata Award for nattuvangam. He has also served as an executive committee member and secretary for the Karnataka Nrityakala Parishath and as an examiner for secondary board exams across Karnataka. Awards & Honours: Senior Scholarship, Best Nattuvanar of the Decade, Aryabhata Award for Nattuvangam.