Shibli Mohammad

🪔 About

Shibli Mohammad, born on September 4, 1965, is a prominent Bangladeshi classical dancer and choreographer, celebrated for his mastery of Kathak and his pioneering efforts in promoting male participation in classical dance in Bangladesh. He holds a physics degree from Jahangirnagar University, but his passion led him to dance. His initial dance training took place at the Chhayanaut institute in Dhaka, where he studied under Kartic Singh, Ajit Dey, and Anita Dey. Mohammad received an Indian Government Scholarship, which enabled him to pursue formal Kathak training. He first studied at the Bhatkhande Music Institute in Lucknow under Srimati Purnima Pandey, who treated him like her own child. Subsequently, he trained intensively under the legendary Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj at Kathak Kendra in New Delhi from 1981 to 1985, becoming the guru's first Bangladeshi student. He absorbed core Kathak techniques, including intricate footwork (tatkar) and expressive hand gestures (mudras), central to the Lucknow gharana style. Expanding his expertise, he also studied ballet, contemporary, tap, and jazz at the London Ballet Theatre School for a year. Upon returning to Bangladesh, Shibli Mohammad became the principal male dancer at the Shilpakala Academy, performing at major state functions and helping to normalize male involvement in classical dance. In 2000, he co-founded the Nrityanchal Dance Company in Dhaka with fellow dancer Shamim Ara Nipa and cultural coordinator Muhammad Jahangir. Through Nrityanchal, he has trained thousands of students, including men and individuals with physical or mental challenges, fostering inclusivity and cultural preservation. He has performed in over 50 countries, representing Bangladesh worldwide. Since 2007, he and Shamim Ara Nipa have co-hosted "Tarana," a weekly dance show on BTV, and he has also served as a judge on the Indian channel ETV Bangla's dance competition "Rhitur Mela." Mohammad is known for his experimental approach to choreography, often fusing traditional and modern dance forms. He has received numerous accolades for his contributions to dance, including Bangladesh's second-highest civilian award, the Ekushey Padak, in 2024. Other significant awards include the Shilpakala Padak in 2020, the UNESCO award for Best Bangladeshi Dancer, the George Harrison Award for Dance, the BACHSAS Award, the Prothom Alo Award, the Lux Channel i Award, and the Jaijaidin Award. In 2025, he and Shamim Ara Nipa were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Bangladesh Institute of Film and Arts (BIFA). His philosophy emphasizes honesty and not hurting others, and he believes in the power of dedication in art. Awards & Honours: Ekushey Padak (2024), Shilpakala Padak (2020), UNESCO award for Best Bangladeshi Dancer, George Harrison Award for Dance, BACHSAS Award, Prothom Alo Award, Lux Channel i Award, Jaijaidin Award, Lifetime Achievement Award by Bangladesh Institute of Film and Arts (BIFA) (2025).