Apeksha Niranjan

🪔 About

Apeksha Niranjan is a celebrated Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and teacher, primarily known for her mastery of Bharatanatyam. Born and raised in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, her artistic journey began at the age of six with Kathak, before she transitioned to Bharatanatyam at eight. Her diverse heritage, with a Polish paternal grandmother and a Maharashtrian paternal grandfather from Kolhapur, has profoundly influenced her artistic perspective, fostering an innate openness to various cultures. Niranjan underwent rigorous training under esteemed gurus, including Dr. Sucheta Chapekar and Dr. Alka Lajmi, and further honed her skills at the Nalanda Dance Research Centre in Mumbai. She holds a Bachelor's (Visharad) and Master's (Alankar) degree in Bharatanatyam from the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal (ABGMVM), demonstrating a deep academic and practical understanding of the art form. Before dedicating herself fully to dance, Apeksha Niranjan was a Marathi actress, known as Apeksha Kashikar, and a Graded Artist of Doordarshan. These experiences enriched her storytelling abilities and expressive power, for which she is now celebrated as the “Queen of Expressions” due to her exceptional Abhinaya. As a choreographer, Niranjan has created numerous acclaimed thematic productions, including 'Nayanam,' 'Yamuna Gatha,' 'Keertan Rang' (Bharatanatyam on Marathi Abhangas), 'Nari Shakti – The Power of Womanhood,' and 'Anubhava – The Experience.' These works have been performed internationally across India, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Her innovative approach includes blending Bharatanatyam with Gregorian Chants and Polish folk music, and she has performed extensively in Poland, serving as a cultural ambassador for Polish House, a role deeply connected to her family's history of Polish refugees finding shelter in India during WWII. Niranjan is the Founder and Artistic Director of Nrityanjali Performing Arts in Navi Mumbai, which she co-founded with her sister Mitali Hasabnis. The institution has been nurturing Bharatanatyam excellence for over 21 years, guiding approximately 200 students. Awards & Honours: National Best Performer Award, Nritya Shiromani Award, Yuva Kala Ratna Award, Vengi Kala Ratna Award, Nupur Kala Ratna Award, Nataraj Sanman, Nritya Jyoti Title, Natyakala Choodamani Title, Nrityaranjini Title, Nrityashivali Title, Best Choreographer Award.