Shweta Venkatesh

🪔 About

Shweta Venkatesh is a professional Indian classical dancer based in Bangalore, known for her proficiency in both Bharatanatyam and Kathak. Her journey in dance began at the tender age of five, influenced by her parents, Dr. Suparna Venkatesh, a Bharatanatyam teacher, and Sai Venkatesh, a light and stage designer for classical dance performances. Shweta received her initial Bharatanatyam training from teacher Nandini Mehta, and later from her mother, Dr. Suparna Venkatesh, under whom she has trained for over 17 years. Her Kathak training commenced at the age of twelve at the Natya Institute of Kathak, under the guidance of Guru Dr. Maya Rao and Mysore B. Nagaraj. She has also pursued a Masters in Bharatanatyam at Bangalore University and holds Junior (2004) and Senior (2009) certifications from the Karnataka State Secondary Education Exam Board. Additionally, Shweta has trained in Kalaripayattu under Kalari Guru Sudarshan and Nattuvangam recital by Guru D.S. Prasanna. She has also undergone intensive workshops in Abhinaya, Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and choreography with various renowned gurus. Her formal debut in public performances, known as Arangetram/Rangapravesham, took place in November 2009. Shweta is a graded artiste at Doordarshan for both Bharatanatyam and Kathak since 2015 and has been a CCRT (Centre for Cultural Resources and Training) scholarship holder in Bharatanatyam since 2004. She is recognized for her ability to blend classical dance forms with contemporary stage performances. Shweta actively performs at various dance festivals and has been reviewed by publications like The Hindu for her graceful and vibrant performances. She assists her mother in training young students at Sai Arts International and has also provided dance training to visually challenged students and orphan girls. Shweta aspires to be an ambassador of dance, spreading her passion and performing at prestigious festivals globally. Awards & Honours: CCRT Scholarship holder in Bharatanatyam (2004), Second place in classical dance (2012), Second position Yuva Pratibotsav (2012), Second place in Bangalore University Youth Festival, Third place, South Zone Youth Festival, Naatyavedha Award (2014), Graded Artiste (2015), Sathyabhama Award (2015), NATYA MOHANA PRATHIBHA AWARD (2025).