Shri Nadkishore

🪔 About

Dr. Pt. Nandkishore Kapote is a leading senior exponent of Kathak, an Indian classical dance form, and a distinguished disciple of Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj. Born on August 10, 1956, in Maharashtra, he began his Kathak training at the age of nine in Pune. He completed his Diploma and Degree courses in Kathak under the guidance of Shri Mannalal Shukla. In 1975, he earned his bachelor's degree in Kathak. Subsequently, in 1977-78, he was awarded the National Scholarship from the Cultural Department, Government of India, to further his Kathak studies under Pt. Birju Maharaj in New Delhi, becoming the first male Kathak artist from Maharashtra to receive this scholarship. Dr. Kapote is recognized for his charismatic performances, precise footwork, and mastery over abhinaya and layakari, particularly in the Lucknow Gharana style. He has performed extensively across India and internationally, including in Russia, the United States, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Holland, and Kuwait. In 1983, he established his dance school, which later became the Nandkishore Cultural Society in Pune in 1986, dedicated to promoting Kathak. He also founded the Pt. Birju Maharaj Dance and Music Research Centre and Library in 2006 and the Kathak Queen Sitara Devi Art Museum in 2016. Dr. Kapote holds a Ph.D. in Kathak from Tilak Maharashtra University, conferred in 2005, and is a recognized Ph.D. guide in Kathak dance for several universities. He is also a prolific writer, having authored books like 'Kathak Samrat Birju Maharaj', which is a reference book for dance examinations. His contributions extend to choreography for films and socially relevant dance dramas, such as 'Mahamanav' based on the life of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Awards & Honours: National Scholarship (1977), Maharashtra Rajya Sanskrutik Puraskar (Maharashtra State Cultural Award) (2004), Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Dalit Mitra Award (2010), Senior Fellowship (2015), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2020), Singar Mani Award, Limca Book of Records (for teaching oldest student aged 76 years), Limca Book of Records (for outstanding contribution and work in Kathak dance).