Aakruti Kathak Kendra

For every Shishya, Guru is the light and wisdom showing us the way, Guru is the calm to keep us balanced amongst all storms, Guru is the source of confidence that keeps us strong and Guru is the vision to help us achieve beyond our dreams.
The relation of limitless faith, love and respect with our Guru is a promise of hope and a bond that is unparalleled. It goes beyond the realm of the art form to a deep beautiful connection in life.

All of us at Aakruti Kathak Kendra are eternally grateful for such a guiding presence in our lives. We seek their blessings and constant support in every endeavour.
Our pranaam 🙏🙏 to our Gurus who have selflessly guided us and enriched our lives.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Puruskar, given by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama, is the highest honour conferred to eminent artists in the field of performing arts. Our Guru’s Ji and Ji were honoured with this most prestigious award for their stellar contribution to the art form of Kathak for the year 2019.

Receiving this award from the President of India, Smt Draupadi Murmu, in the midst of talented artists from across the nation has definitely been among the highest focal points of their career but also stands out as their driving force to keep doing better. This award is a testament to the undeterred determination, hard work, sincere efforts that they have always put forth. They have always believed in pushing forward their creative envelope while maintaining the sanctity of the art form. They firmly believe that blessings of their Guru Pandit Birju Maharaj ji and Guru Pandit Durgalal Ji has always been the guiding force not only in Kathak but in life as well.

To be able to receive a national award from the esteemed President of India and thereafter getting the golden opportunity of showcasing a performance for her at Rashtrapati Nilayam, undeniably will remain a milestone to cherish forever.

At , we are humbled by the opportunity to be able to learn from our Guru’s, grateful for every teaching and hope to carry forward their legacy.



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It is an occasion of great honour to share that our Guru Ji has been conferred with the prestigious National Award -Tulsidas Samman for his contribution to the field of Folk and Tribal Arts by the Dept of Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh. It has been a matter of profound privilege for him to be able to carry forward this rich legacy of Indian culture.

Many might not know that before becoming a Kathak artist, Guruji began his artistic journey as a student of folk arts under the guidance of his father, Dr. Gopal Raj Bhatt Ji at Bharat Folk Arts Academy. He was a visionary leader who created a platform for showcasing folk and tribal arts to new audiences. In the era of a newly independent India, culture played a crucial role in nation-building, and Dr. Gopal Raj Bhatt ji was at the forefront of this movement.

On this momentous occasion, Guruji reminiscing about his journey so far:
“My debut performance was at the age of 5, where I had the honor of receiving an appreciation certificate from the then Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh, K.Brahmananda Reddy. This experience ignited a passion within me, and over the years, I have been driven by a conviction to preserve and promote folk arts. This journey has taken me to numerous conferences and events of national and international repute, where I have showcased productions featuring the folk and tribal arts of various Indian states.
Looking back at all the special memories, I am profoundly grateful for the guidance, support and kind blessings I have received, and will be eternally indebted to my dear Gurus, Shri Gopal Raj Bhatt ji and Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji. “

All of us at Aakruti Kathak Kendra are delighted at the news of this achievement and feel extremely privileged to be able to partake in Guruji’s guidance.



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Tarang 2024
our youngest and most adorable budding Kathak students the poem “Prakruti ka Sandesh” by kavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.The poem says We learned to fly from birds,
Learned to flaunt with a butterfly,
The hum of the whirlpools taught
Let us sing the sweet melody.
Everyone took glory from the sun,
Found cool shadow from the moon.
When we saw the twinkling stars
We understood all the illusions.
The ocean taught us,
Stream of deep thinking.
Skyscraper mountain learned,
Let our goal be big.
Every moment time taught
Always keep moving without getting tired.
No matter how many difficulties one faces,
But never lose patience.

Tarang 2024
“Bhumi Mangalam”. This composition describes the beauty of nature, the richness in the living world around us and how important it is to preserve its essence. May there be auspiciousness and tranquillity on earth, in water, in fire, in the wind, in the sky, in the sun, on the moon, on our planet, in all living beings, in the body, in the mind and the spirit

Welcome to Tarang 2024, our annual Kathak dance festival before we go on the official summer break. The evening began with the invocation to Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati, and our revered Gurus, representing the three sources of seeking knowledge.
Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom and beginnings. His blessings are sought to ensure a smooth and successful performance. Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge, music, art, and wisdom. Her grace guides our creativity and ensures that our performances are filled with beauty and insight. The Guru who imparts wisdom and guides us on our path of learning.

Through this invocation, we seek the blessings of these divine figures to enrich our dance and inspire us to perform with dedication and excellence. Enjoy the glimpses!!!

Namashkar,

We are delighted to invite you to an evening of rhythm, grace and poetry at the Tarang 2024 dance festival. Join us on 27th April at 6.30 pm at Ethnic Hall, Shilparamam, where the students of Aakruti Kathak Kendra will showcase their talent and passion for dance.

We request you to grace the event with your presence, accompanied by your loved ones. Let us all come together to celebrate the beauty of art and culture.

Thank you for considering our invitation.

Antarang 2023: Vandana Trayee
Prayer/ worship through the medium of dance fills everyone gathered with a sense of divine energy. Our youngest, tiniest & most loved students of Aakruti, made sure to retain that vibrant energy, with a heartfelt rendition of Vandana, composed by Pandit Ravi Shankar Ji. An invocation to Lord Ganesha: the remover of all obstacles, to Maa Saraswati: the Goddess of Knowledge, the one who embodies all that is pure and to Guru: the One who dispels the darkness of ignorance, the One who is a manifestation of the Trinity and represents the supreme Parabramha.

A prestigious opportunity for Aakruti Kathak Kendra to perform at Rashtrapati Nilayam in honour of Her Excellency, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murumu in Hyderabad. Performing at such a significant venue is undoubtedly a milestone especially since it was the inaugural performance of the newly restored step-well lead by Kalpana Ramesh & team.

The production featured choreographies paying respects to Lord Shiva and His divine universal energy. The performances were filled with grace, skill, and emotion, leaving a lasting impression on all those in attendance. Congratulations to the students of Aakruti Kathak Kendra for putting up a remarkable and memorable production and also special thanks and congratulations to Kalpana Ramesh and team.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to The Hon’ble President of India, special dignitaries and high officials, for giving us the opportunity to showcase our creative production on this occasion at the Rashtrapati Nilayam, Hyderabad.

Namashkar, You are cordially invited to “Antarang 2023” a kathak dance festival by Aakruti Kathak Kendra to mark the 75th birth anniversary of our Guru, Kathak Maestro Pt. Durga Lal Ji, on 16 December, 6.00 pm at Kalinga Natya Mandap, Jagannath Temple, road no 12. Please grace the evening with your family, relatives and friends.
Thank you

Dancing today!! Celebrating today!! Janmashtami ki Hardik shubhkamnaye!!

सब धरती कागज करूँ, लिखनी सब बनराय
सात समुद्र की मसि करूँ, गुरु गुण लिखा न जाय!!
🙏🙏🙏 आशीर्वाद रहे !!