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About
Navtej Singh Johar, born on August 8, 1959, in Jalandhar, Punjab, India, is an acclaimed Indian Bharatanatyam exponent, choreographer, yoga practitioner, scholar, and LGBTQ activist. He is recognized as one of India's leading male dancers and choreographers, known for his work that seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary expressions. Johar received…
Journey Timeline
1959
Born — Born on August 8, 1959, in Jalandhar, Punjab, India.
1978
Inspired by Bharatanatyam — Saw a performance by Padma Subrahmanyam and was inspired to learn Bharatanatyam.
1980
Encouraged by Badal Sircar — Badal Sircar remarked he had the body of a dancer, indicating a creative path.
1985
Began teaching yoga — Started teaching Patanjali yoga.
1995
Times of India Fellowship
1999
Charles Wallace Fellowship
2001
Founded Studio Abhyas — Established his dance and yoga studio in New Delhi.
2002
Performance Director — Served as performance director for the Commonwealth Parade, Queen's Golden Jubilee Celebrations, London.
2004
Started Abhyas Trust — Founded a non-profit organization for dance, yoga, urban design, and animal care.
2010
Sri Krishna Gana Sabha Award — Received the award for abhinaya.
2014
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Received the award for Contemporary Choreography.
2016
Filed writ petition against Section 377 — Lead petitioner in a Supreme Court case challenging the constitutionality of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.
2018
Section 377 decriminalized — Supreme Court judgment in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India decriminalized consensual same-sex relations.
Photo Gallery
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Video Library
Performance videos will appear here.
Signature Performances
Signature repertoire pieces will be showcased here.
Performance Map
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Awards & Honors
- 2014 · Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Contemporary Choreography — Sangeet Natak Akademi
- 1995 · Times of India Fellowship — Times of India
- 1999 · Charles Wallace Fellowship — Charles Wallace India Trust
- 2010 · Sri Krishna Gana Sabha Award for Abhinaya — Sri Krishna Gana Sabha
Media Coverage
- Round about: Navtej's body and soul in Bharatnatyam
Hindustan Times
- Art Can't be Apolitical: Dancer Navtej Johar
IndiaWest News
Dance School
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Students
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Testimonials
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Upcoming Workshops
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