Richa Srivastava

🪔 About

Richa Srivastava is a distinguished Kathak dancer, performer, and teacher, recognized for her contributions to the art form. She is a senior disciple of Guru Smt. Shila Mehta, under whom she completed her formal training in Mumbai. Her initial Kathak training began at the age of eight under Srimati Mishra ji in Delhi. Srivastava has also been fortunate to receive training and guidance from Vidushi Shashwati Senji, the late Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji, and Pt. Jaikishan Maharaj, son of Kathak maestro Pt. Birju Maharaj. Academically, Richa Srivastava holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master's degree in Kathak from Bharat College of Arts, studying under Dr. Sandhya Puri chaji. She is an empanelled artist of the IWCF and a Graded Kathak Artist with Doordarshan. Her performance career spans over a decade, with solo performances at numerous prestigious dance festivals across India, Bahrain, and the UK. Notable appearances include the 5th International Cuttack Dance Festival in Orissa (2014), Aruthra Dharisana International Dance Festival in Tamil Nadu (2013), SAI National Dance Festival in Bangalore (2013), and the Soorya Festival (2009). Beyond performing, Srivastava is a dedicated educator. She is a faculty member at Nupur Zankar and has conducted Kathak workshops in India and the UK. She founded "Aramb Kathakshala" in Mumbai in 2014 and expanded it to London in 2019. Additionally, she established "रaas - The Kathak Studio" in Sector 137, Noida, which focuses on promoting the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak and conducts a 7-year degree course through Prayag Sangeet Samiti Allahabad. Richa Srivastava regularly holds classes at the Nehru Centre in the UK, actively spreading the love of Kathak internationally. She comes from a family of artists, with her father, Shri Rakesh Dagg, being an actor, and her brother a professional drummer. Awards & Honours: National Nritya Shiromani Award (2014), Bronze Medalist, Maharashtra State Level Classical Dance Competition.