Sakshi Kumar

🪔 About

Sakshi Kumar is a distinguished Kathak exponent, choreographer, and educator, recognized for her contributions to Indian classical dance. She is the creative director and founder of 'Sanskriti-A School of Indian Performing Arts' in Sydney, Australia. Kumar received extensive training in Kathak under the tutelage of Pt. Jai Kishan Maharaj, son of Pt. Birju Maharaj, at the prestigious Kathak Kendra, New Delhi. She holds a 2-year Diploma (2005-2007), a 3-year Honours (2007-2010), and a 2-year Post Graduate Diploma (2010-2012) in Kathak from Kathak Kendra. In 2012, she topped Kathak Kendra and also completed her M.A. in Kathak from the University of Khairagarh, India. Her career highlights include performing for U.S. President Barack Obama in Rashtrapati Bhawan in 2015. She has also performed in various ballets and festivals, including 'Chitrangadha' under Guru Smt. Geetanjali Lal and the Birju Maharaj Parampara at Kamani Auditorium in 2011. Kumar has showcased Kathak in Bollywood films such as 'One by Two' (2014) and 'Bajirao Mastani' (2015), choreographed by Pt. Birju Maharaj. As an educator, she has taught over 100 students in Kyrgyzstan during her tenure there, and her school, Sanskriti, follows the Guru-Shishya Parampara, offering formal examinations as an approved center of Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalya. She is also a certified Trainer and Assessor in Australia. Awards & Honours: Girnar Ratna Award (2015), Topper of Kathak Kendra (2012), Scholarship from the Ministry of Culture (2010), Graded Artist of Doordarshan (2015), 1st Best Prize in Kathak.