Debashree Bhattacharjee

🪔 About

Debashree Bhattacharjee is a prominent Indian classical Kathak dancer, teacher, and choreographer based in Kolkata, India. She received her extensive training in Kathak under the tutelage of the esteemed Guru Padmashree Smt. Rani Karnaa. Further solidifying her academic credentials in dance, she holds a Sangeet Prabhakar from Prayag Sangeet Samiti. Bhattacharjee is recognized as an A-grade solo artist by Kolkata Doordarshan and is registered with both the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, highlighting her significant standing in the Indian classical dance community. Her career as a performer has taken her to numerous international stages, including Qatar, Bhutan, Kuwait, the UK, Wales, Georgia, Lebanon, South Sudan, Durban, Bangladesh, and Japan. Within India, she has graced the stages of prestigious institutions such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi, NCPA, and Kathak Kendra, and has performed at renowned festivals like Khajuraho, Konarak, and Nishagandhi. Beyond her performance career, Debashree Bhattacharjee is a dedicated educator and institution builder. In 2004, she co-founded the Ranan Performance Collective with Vikram Iyengar, an initiative aimed at making classical dance accessible and enjoyable for diverse audiences through experimental work centered in Kathak. She also serves as the Secretary of her Guru's academy, Samskritiki Shreyaskar. Bhattacharjee leads Brindar, which functions as Ranan's Kathak training wing, a role she has held for approximately twenty years as of March 2025. Through Brindar, she imparts quality Kathak training and encourages creative expression. She has also conducted numerous workshops in London, Wales, and various locations across India under organizations like Spic Macay, ERCEN, and Junoon (Mumbai). Her choreographic work includes collaborations such as "Nirantaro," a thought exploration inspired by Rabindranath Tagore's poem "Ananta Moron," which she conceptualized and choreographed with fellow Kathak dancer Sohini Debnath. They have also performed together in "Sanjog," celebrating their artistic journey and shared bond with their Guru. Debashree Bhattacharjee continues to be an active figure, contributing to the propagation and evolution of Kathak through her performances, teaching, and creative endeavors.