Kiran Sehgal

🪔 About

Kiran Sehgal, born in Dehradun in 1944, is a highly acclaimed Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and guru, primarily renowned for her mastery of Odissi. Daughter of the legendary actress and dancer Zohra Sehgal and dancer-painter Kameshwar Sehgal, Kiran was immersed in the performing arts from a young age. Her initial dance training included the Uday Shankar style, influenced by her parents' association with his contemporary ballet movement, and she performed as a child artist with Prithvi Theatre. Sehgal first delved into Bharatanatyam, studying under gurus such as Sadashiv Shetty, Nana Kasar, and K.J. Govindarajan. She also received training in Carnatic music from Meera Seshadri and Kathak from Suneeta Gowala. However, it was in the 1970s and 1980s that she found her true calling in Odissi, undergoing intensive training under the eminent Guru Mayadhar Raut. She eventually decided to focus solely on Odissi, recognizing the distinct intrinsic qualities of the dance forms. Kiran Sehgal is celebrated for her innovative choreographies, which have significantly enriched the Odissi repertoire. Her notable works include "Ramayan," "Agni," "Whispering Moods," "Panchakshara Stotram," "Dashaavataar," "Taalaangiya," and "Talking To God." Her performances are characterized by their precision, lyricism, and deeply sensitive abhinaya (expressional dance). She has performed extensively across India and in over forty countries, participating in numerous prestigious international dance festivals. Beyond performing, Sehgal is dedicated to propagating Odissi, conducting numerous lecture-demonstrations and workshops to foster awareness among younger generations. Based in New Delhi, she continues to teach, perform, and choreograph. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2002), Padma Shri (2002), Neelamadhava Award (2002), Kala Shreshtha Sammaan (2000), Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award (2000), Nritya Vilas (1993), Nritya Saraswati (1991), Parishad Sammaan (1986), Shringaar Mani (1979), Kala Mani (1976), Meri Dilli award (2011), Certificate of Recognition (1985).