Mukta Joshi

🪔 About

Mukta Joshi is a prominent Indian classical Kathak dancer, guru, and choreographer, known for her dedication to the Jaipur Gharana style. Born and residing in Thane, Mumbai, India, she initially pursued a Bachelor of Commerce and an LLB from Mumbai University, practicing as an advocate for four years in Thane District Court before dedicating her life entirely to Kathak. Joshi began her Kathak training in the 10th grade, initially learning from Dr. K. Rajkumar. In 1988, she completed her "Nrityalankar" degree examination from Gandharva Mandal Miraj. She later became a senior disciple of the esteemed Padmashree Dr. Roshan Kumariji, under whose guidance she continues to train in pure Jaipur style Kathak. In 1988, Mukta Joshi founded the Nrityadhara Kathak Research Institute in Thane, an institution dedicated to promoting Indian classical Kathak and folk dance forms. The institute, registered with the government in 2002, offers systematic training, conducts lectures, demonstrations, workshops, and organizes performances by both senior and emerging artists. Joshi is an 'A' grade artist of Doordarshan Mumbai and a member of the International Dance Council CID since 2018. She has performed extensively across India in cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Allahabad, Lucknow, Delhi, and Mumbai, and internationally in countries such as the USA, Korea, China, Cambodia, and Mauritius. Her choreographic works include ballets like 'Bansileela', 'Pungiwala', 'Payoji Maine', 'Ritu Malhar', and 'Rani Ki Bav', and she is recognized for her innovative combinations such as 'Tribhangima', which blends Kathak, Bharatnatyam, and Odissi, and 'Jugalbandi' of Kathak and Lavani. She also served as an assistant choreographer for Shyam Benegal's film "Sardari Begum". Joshi has authored a book titled 'Kathak Margadarshan' for the basic course of Gandharva Mandal, Miraj. Awards & Honours: First Class First in Nrityalankar Examination, Successful Dance Lady Dance Director, Vocational Excellence Award (2006), Thane Gaurav & Sahitya Kala Puraskar, Member of International Dance Council CID (2018).