Shama Bhate

🪔 About

Guru Shama Bhate, also known as Shama Tai, is an eminent Indian Kathak dancer, choreographer, and guru, born on October 6, 1950, in Belgaum (now Belagavi), Karnataka. She commenced her Kathak training at the age of four and has been actively involved in the field for over five decades. Bhate is a principal disciple and daughter-in-law of the legendary Guru Rohini Bhate. Her training also includes guidance from Kathak maestros Pt. Birju Maharaj and Pt. Mohanrao Kallianpurkar. Additionally, she developed her insights into 'Taal' and 'Laya' under the tutelage of tabla exponent Pt. Suresh Talwalkar. In 1987, Shama Bhate founded Nadroop, a prominent Kathak dance academy in Pune, where she serves as its artistic director. Under her leadership, Nadroop has evolved into one of India's foremost dance institutes, known for its path-breaking and interdisciplinary work. The academy has trained over 600 students, many of whom have pursued careers in performing and teaching Kathak globally. More than thirty of her students have earned postgraduate degrees, and twelve have received the HRDC National scholarship. Bhate's choreographic repertoire is extensive, blending traditional and contemporary formats. Her notable works include "Trishul" (exploring rhythmic cycles of 9, 10, and 11 beats), "Samvaad," "Layasopan," "Ateet ki Parchaiyan—Reflections on the Mahabharath Saga," "Nishabda Bheda," "Naad Bindu," and "Krishna—The Liberator." She has collaborated with various art forms, including jazz music, cinema, and paintings, and has performed internationally. Shama Bhate is also a visiting professor at several universities, including Pune University's Lalit Kala Kendra and Mumbai University's Nalanda College, and serves on advisory boards for national dance and art academies. Awards & Honours: Maharashtra Rajya Puraskar (2011), Kala Darpan Puraskar (2012), Kala Samvardhan Puraskar by Krishna Mulgur Smriti Pratishthan (2012), Kala Gaurav Puraskar by Kalanidhi (2013), Puraskar by Pune Municipal Corporation (2015), Kathak Samarpan Puraskar by Nilima Nrityalay (2016), Rohini Bhate Puraskar by the Pune Municipal Corporation (2018), Y.U.V.A Puraskar on International Women's Day (2018), Nehru Yuva Kendra Puraskar – Krida mantralaya (2018), Times Power Woman by the Times Group (2018), Bundeli Gaurav at the Damon Mahotsav (2018), Shri Kundanlal Gangani Award (2019), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Sri Durga Mata Shakti Puraskar from Paramhans Swachandananda Seva Pratishthan (2011), Jyestha Guru Sanmaan by Madhurita Sarang School.