Smt. Sudha Thakkar

🪔 About

Smt. Sudha Thakkar, also known as Sudha Khandwani, is a notable figure in Indian classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam. She is recognized as a Bharatanatyam dancer herself and is the elder sister of the world-renowned dancer, choreographer, and teacher Menaka Thakkar. Sudha Khandwani played a pivotal role in establishing and promoting Indian classical dance in Canada, notably as the founder of Kalanidhi Fine Arts of Canada. Through Kalanidhi, she has been instrumental in fostering contemporary Indian dance. She co-produced the International Dance Festival and Conference: Contemporary Choreography in Indian Dance. A significant milestone in her career was organizing the first Kalanidhi International Dance Festival and Conference in February 1993, which focused on the theme of "New Directions in Indian Dance". This event aimed to balance the perception of Indian dance by highlighting both its traditional and contemporary forms. Sudha Khandwani has also been actively involved in her sister Menaka Thakkar's extensive work in dance. She maintained a strong connection with the renowned dancer Chandralekha, whom she had seen perform in the late 1950s, and actively helped promote her in Canada.