Leena Malakar

🪔 About

Leena Malakar is an acclaimed Kathak dancer, trainer, and cultural ambassador, specializing in the energetic Jaipur gharana. Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, she began her initiation into Kathak during her school years. Her early dance education at Padma Kanya College in Kathmandu included Charya classical dance of Nepal, Indian classical dance of Kathak, and Nepalese folk dances. Driven by her passion for Kathak, Malakar received a scholarship from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and moved to India as a teenager for advanced training. She honed her skills under the tutelage of renowned Guru Smt. Nandini Singh at the Sri Ram Bhartiya Kala Kendra in New Delhi, India, a city she now considers her 'karmabhoomi' (land of work/destiny). Malakar made her solo debut in 1997 at the Regini Devi Desh Vedeshi Kalakar, organized by Shayatya Kala Parisad. She is an empanelled artist with the ICCR and the Ministry of Culture's Festival of India abroad, reflecting her significant contributions to Indian classical dance. Throughout her career, Leena Malakar has performed extensively at prestigious dance festivals across India and internationally, including a conceptual dance production "BEEJ" in 2024 and performances and workshops in Bulgaria and Romania in 2023. Beyond her performances, Malakar is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dancers. She is the founder and artistic director of the Kathik Cultural Society of India, where she conducts regular classes for aspiring dancers. Her commitment to promoting Kathak has earned her numerous accolades, solidifying her position as a respected figure in the Indian classical dance landscape. She is married to acclaimed sculptor Gagan Vij. Awards & Honours: Sringar Mani (2006), Abhinav Kala Sanman (2009), Naatyasree (2009), Nrutya-Shiromani (2009), Nrutya Shree Award (2009), India International Dance Festival Award (IIDF Sanjukta Panigrahi Memorial Award for Kathak) (2015).