Shila Mehta

🪔 About

Shila Mehta is an acclaimed Indian classical dance artist, choreographer, teacher, and composer, deeply rooted in the North Indian Kathak form. Born in Kolkata on January 1, she began her Kathak training at the age of five under Nrityacharya Shri Prahlad Das. From the age of sixteen, she further honed her skills under eminent exponents such as Pandit Chitresh Das, Pandit Vijay Shankar, Pandit Birju Maharaj, and Kumudini Lakhia, with her laya and taal training guided by Taalyogi Pandit Suresh Talwalkar. Mehta holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Calcutta University and a Master of Fine Arts from Kavi Kulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Maharashtra, where she was a gold medalist in Kathak dance. She also acquired the title "Nritya Praveen" from the Prayag Sangeet Samithi in Allahabad. Mehta is the founder and artistic director of the Nupur Zankar Academy of Performing Arts and Research Centre, which has its roots in Kolkata since 1983 and is now based in Mumbai, where she moved around 1998. The institute, registered with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), offers training in Kathak, folk dances, vocal and instrumental music, and yoga, promoting the Guru-Shishya Parampara. The academy has expanded with branches in New Jersey (USA), Ghent (Belgium), and Swindon (UK), attracting international students. An ICCR-empanelled artist, Shila Mehta has performed globally across India, North America, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. She is recognized for her artistry, eloquence, and spirituality, and has innovated in Kathak through concepts like 'Charani Kathak' and 'Chaitanya Yoga,' and collaborated with Flamenco, Jazz, and Ballet dancers. She is also an author and PhD scholar at the University of Mumbai, advocating Indian classical dance for cultural connection and holistic well-being. Awards & Honours: Nritya Praveen Award, Outstanding Group of Young Persons Award, Nritya Sadhna Award (2004), The Overseas Natya Award (2003), Senior Fellowship Award (2005), Gayatri Gaurav Sanmanpatra, Kala Gurjari Award, Gujarat Samaj Award, President's Award for Promoting Holistic Wellbeing (2025).