Smt. Shubha Dhananjay

🪔 About

Smt. Shubha Dhananjay is a leading Indian classical dancer from Karnataka, renowned for her mastery in Bharatanatyam and Kathak, as well as various folk art forms. She is a versatile artist, excelling as a performer, guru, choreographer, and organizer. Shubha Dhananjay is recognized for her innovative blending of choreography in traditional and contemporary styles, particularly through her ballets such as Amrutha Mathana, Narakasura Vadhe, and Hari Hara Milana-Ayyappa Janana. She is also a pioneer in using special Kannada compositions in her performances, with her father often writing sahitya for her. Her Bharatanatya Ranga Pravesha took place in 1987, soon after which she received Best Dancer Gold Medals at both state and national levels. In the same year, she established her dance institute, Natyantharanga. Later, in 2006, she founded Karana, an institute that imparts training in vocal, instrumental music, dance, and yoga. Smt. Shubha Dhananjay has performed globally in countries including China, the US, UK, Maldives, Nepal, Iraq, UAE, and Qatar, and was sent to Bali, Indonesia by ICCR for an eight-month Bharatanatyam training program. She has also choreographed large sets with up to 600 dancers for events like Suvarna Karnataka and Dasara celebrations. Currently, she serves as the President of the Karnataka Sangeeta Nrithya Academy. She is dedicated to training thousands of students, including identifying and training talent from rural areas free of charge. Awards & Honours: National Achievement Award (2025), Best Dancer Gold Medals (1987), Dr. Puttaraja Gawai Krupa Bhushana Award, Vishwa Manya Kannadiga, Karnataka Jyoti, Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda Award, FCHS Fellowship.