Sanjeev Bhattacharya

🪔 About

Sanjib Bhattacharya is a highly acclaimed Indian classical Manipuri dancer, choreographer, and percussionist, with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. He is recognized as an accomplished exponent and guru of Manipuri dance, having performed extensively across India and in more than twenty countries worldwide. Bhattacharya's foundational training began with his elder sisters, Pratibha Devi and Pratima Devi, followed by formal instruction from Mumtaj. He further refined his artistry under the tutelage of eminent gurus including Guru Bipin Singh, Padmashri Darshana Jhaveri, Kalavati Devi, Manjushree Chaki Sircar, and Mamata Shankar. His dance embodies the Vaishnavite tradition of northeast India, particularly the Ras Lila of Radha and Krishna, seamlessly integrating the vigorous tandava and the graceful lasya aspects, intricate pung cholom footwork, and emotive abhinaya. Throughout his career, Bhattacharya has graced numerous prestigious stages and festivals, such as the Khajuraho Dance Festival, Konark Festival, Uday Shankar Festival, and the National Centre for Performing Arts in Mumbai. He has performed as a solo artist and collaborated with renowned figures like Padmavibhushan Sonal Mansingh, Padmashri Darshana Jhaveri, and Padmashri Ranjana Gauhar. Beyond performing, he is a dedicated educator, leading several dance academies and institutions both in India and internationally. In California, he directs "Movements in Motion" in San Ramon, Fremont, and San Jose, offering rigorous training in Manipuri dance, contemporary movement, pung, and his unique "Dance Sutra" wellness program. He has also served as a visiting artist and lecturer at various universities, including UCLA, UC Santa Cruz, and the University of Pittsburgh. Teaching in the guru-shishya tradition, Bhattacharya has guided over 25,000 students over four decades. He is a recipient of two President's Awards from India, presented by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2006 and Smt. Pratibha Patil in 2011, acknowledging his significant contributions to Manipuri dance. Awards & Honours: President's Award (2006), President's Award (2011), Singarmoni (1997), Nartan Visharad (1998), Natyashree, Nritya Jyothi, Nrutya Kowmudhi, Gopi Krishna, Nritya Kumara, Senior Scholarship Award, Junior Fellowship (Tandava Lasya), Production Grant (Udhukhal Rass), Production Grant (Jeevan Darpan), Production Grant (Poonascha), Award of Recognition.