Deepika Reddy

🪔 About

Deepika Reddy is a highly acclaimed Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and dance teacher specializing in the Kuchipudi art form. Born on September 15, 1965, in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, she hails from a distinguished family; her father, V.R. Reddy, served as Additional Solicitor General of India, and her mother, Radhika Reddy, was also a classical dancer. Deepika Reddy began her dance journey at the age of six, making her debut in 1976. She received her initial training under Sumathi Kaushal before specializing under the tutelage of the legendary Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam. In 2000, driven by a passion to preserve and propagate Kuchipudi, Reddy founded Deepanjali, an institution in Hyderabad dedicated to imparting holistic training to young dancers, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Through Deepanjali, she has trained hundreds of students, many of whom have achieved national and international recognition. As a choreographer, she has created several notable dance-dramas, including "Shiva Satheeyam," "Santhi Jeevanam," and "Sthri Trayam." Reddy has performed extensively across India and internationally, serving as a cultural ambassador in countries such as Germany, Russia, Japan, France, and Sri Lanka. Her significant contributions to Kuchipudi were recognized with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2017. From July 2022 to December 2023, she served as the Chairperson of the Telangana State Sangeet Natak Akademi. In 2026, Deepika Reddy was conferred the Padma Shri by the Government of India, a testament to her lifelong dedication and excellence in the performing arts. Awards & Honours: Padma Shri (2026), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2017), Telangana State Government Award (2016), Kalarathna (Andhra Pradesh Govt. State award) (2007), Nritya Choodamani by Krishna Gana Sabha (2014), Natya Kalasarathy by Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha (2015), Devdasi National Award, Bhubaneswar (2014), Vempati Chinna Satyam Lifetime Achievement award (2023), Akkineni Nageswara Rao Swarna Kankanam (2011), Vani Kala Sudhakara by Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha, Chennai (2012), Yagnaraman Award for Excellence by Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai (2009), Nataraja Samman by Saduguru Sri Thyagabrahma Aradhana Kainkarya Trust (2016), Natya Ilavarasi by Shanmukhananda Sabha (2005), Pancharatna Mahila Puraskar by GVR Trust (2008), Kalatarang Puraskaram by Aradhana Sabha (2005).