Sunil Sunkara

🪔 About

Sunil Sunkara is a distinguished Kathak exponent, scholar, and researcher known for his contributions to Indian classical dance. He holds a Nritya Nipun from Bhatkhande Sangit Vidyapith, Lucknow, and an MA in Kathak from Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek, where he was awarded the Acharya Parvatikumar Gold Medal. He is currently pursuing his PhD at the Sri Sri Centre for Advanced Research in Kathak under the guidance of Dr. Puru Dadheech and Dr. Vibha Dadheech. His academic background also includes an MS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin Madison, USA, and a doctorate in biofuel research. Sunkara's Kathak journey began in 2006 in the USA under Natalia Hildner and Kiran Chouhan. Since 2009, he has received advanced training under Guru Renu Sharma at Kalashram, Mumbai, under the aegis of Padmavibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj. He has also trained under Saswati Sen. As a performer, Sunil Sunkara has presented numerous solo, duet, and ballet compositions both in India and internationally. He is celebrated for his storytelling prowess in Kathak, often reviving lesser-known characters and narratives. He performs regularly and pursues research in Kathak, curating dance events and writing on various facets of dance for print and online media. Sunil Sunkara is the Dance Academic Head of the World Forum for Art and Culture (WFAC) under Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji. He also serves as the director for Kathak at the Art of Living Academy of Performing Arts. His contributions to the art form have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the 'Brahma Nritya Mani' award by Rachna Sansad, Mumbai. He was also the international coordinator for a Guinness record-creating Kathak dance performance at the World Culture Festival in New Delhi in 2016. He is based in Mumbai, India. Awards & Honours: Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, Acharya Parvatikumar Gold Medal, Brahma Nritya Mani (2014).