Suchetha Chapekkar

🪔 About

Sucheta Bhide Chapekar, born on December 6, 1948, is a distinguished Indian classical dancer, choreographer, researcher, and a leading exponent of Bharatanatyam. Her journey in dance began early, culminating in her arangetram in 1963. She received rigorous training from Bharatanatyam stalwarts Acharya Parvati Kumar in Mumbai and later honed her skills in the Thanjavur school under K.P. Kittappa Pillai. Beyond her performance career, Chapekar pursued academic excellence, earning a Master of Fine Arts (Dance) from Bombay University and a doctoral degree from the University of Pune for her analytical work "Nritya Ganga". She also studied Carnatic music under Thailambal Krishna and gained proficiency in Hindustani music. Chapekar has performed extensively across India and internationally, including tours in London, Paris, and Rotterdam in 1982. Recognizing the limited following for Bharatanatyam in Maharashtra, she pioneered "Nritya Ganga" in the 1980s, an innovative Bharatanatyam concert series that integrates Marathi and Hindi songs with Hindustani classical music, expanding the art form's accessibility. This unique approach now encompasses over 80 compositions. In 1988, Chapekar founded "Kalavardhini," a charitable trust in Pune dedicated to the teaching and propagation of classical dance. The institution offers structured courses and has been instrumental in nurturing new talent. She is also a visiting professor at the Faculty of Performing Arts, Pune University, and has guided numerous scholars. Her contributions to Bharatanatyam have been documented in the 2008 film 'Vyomagami' and her Marathi book 'Nrityatmika'. For her profound impact on classical dance, Sucheta Bhide Chapekar has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2007. Her daughter, Arundhati Patwardhan, is also a trained dancer and disciple. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2007), Maharashtra Gaurav Award (1993), Nritya Vilas (1993), S.L. Gadre Award, Mahila-Jeevan Gourav Award (Life Time Achievement Award), Pune's Pride Award, Shreshtha Kala Pracharak, Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Award for music and art (2019), Pandita Rohini Bhate Award (2015).