Guru Sri P. Praveen Kumar

🪔 About

P. Praveen Kumar, born on January 25, 1971, is a distinguished Indian dancer specializing in the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and received a state government scholarship to further his dance education. His initial training in Bharatanatyam was under the eminent guru Smt. Narmada, and he continues to refine his art under the guidance of Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar. Praveen Kumar has been recognized as an 'A' graded artist on Doordarshan since 2002 and is empanelled on the panel of classical performing artists for cultural missions and festivals abroad by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). An accomplished performer, choreographer, and nattuvanar, he is celebrated for his flawless footwork, profound understanding of nritta (pure dance) and abhinaya (expressive dance), and innovative choreographies. He has performed extensively across India and internationally, including at prestigious festivals in Italy, the USA, and the UK. Praveen Kumar is the founder and head of the Chithkala School of Dance in Bengaluru, an institution dedicated to imparting traditional Bharatanatyam training while encouraging students to develop their unique artistic voices. His notable dance productions include "Rtu Vismruthi," "Vani," "Shiva Sutra Jaala," "Sakha," "Loka Bandhavyam," "Anagha Vilasa," "Pandharpur," "Mahamaya," and "Vijayapurusha." Awards & Honours: Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (2010), The Mohan Khokar Award (2010), Obul Reddy Endowment Senior dancer award (2016), Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Yuva Prathibha Purskar (2016), Chandana Prashasthi (2017), Best Dancer of the Season (2018), Best Dancer of the Season (2019), Karnataka Kalasri (2021).