30+
Years of Experience
1
Followers
About
Born in Patna, India, Padma Khanna began her Kathak training at the age of seven under Guru Kishen Maharaj in Varanasi, and later received advanced training from Gopi Krishna. She started performing on stage at the age of twelve, often accompanied by tabla maestro Pundit Shamta Prasad. Khanna also had a prolific career in Indian cinema, appearing in over…
Journey Timeline
1949
Born — Born in Patna, India.
c. 1956
Began Kathak training — Started learning Kathak at age 7 from Guru Kishen Maharaj in Varanasi.
c. 1961
Stage debut — Began performing on stage at age 12.
1961/1962
Film acting debut — Debuted as an actress in the Bhojpuri film "Bhaiyya" (1961) or "Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo" (1962).
1970
Breakthrough film role — Gained prominence as a cabaret dancer in "Johnny Mera Naam".
1987-1988
Television role — Portrayed Queen Kaikeyi in Ramanand Sagar's "Ramayan".
1990s
Migration to USA — Migrated to the United States with her husband, Jagdish L. Sidana.
1996
Founded Indianica Dance Academy — Established her dance academy in New Jersey and began its annual cultural show "Chamakte Sitaaray".
2008
Presented Ram Leela at Lincoln Center — Choreographed and presented traditional Ram Leela at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, New York.
2010
Invited to Lincoln Center Invitational — Invited by AAPAE (now PAE) to participate in the Lincoln Center Invitational.
2011
Awarded CID membership — Received membership in the International Dance Council (CID) in Paris, France.
2016
Indianica Academy at Paris Disney — Took Indianica Academy to the Disney Performing Arts Program in Paris.
Photo Gallery
Photos will appear here.
Video Library
Performance videos will appear here.
Signature Performances
Signature repertoire pieces will be showcased here.
Performance Map
A world map of performances will appear here as tours are recorded.
Awards & Honors
- 2011 · Membership in the International Dance Council (CID) — UNESCO (via CID)
Media Coverage
- Padma Khanna: From Bollywood dancer to classical dance guru
Business Standard
- The Nautch Queen of New Jersey
Roads & Kingdoms
Dance School
No school linked yet.
Students
No students linked yet.
Testimonials
Student & peer testimonials will appear here.
Upcoming Workshops
No workshops scheduled yet.
Compiled from public sources and/or self-reported by the artist — not independently verified by NatyaNetwork. Is this you? Claim this profile to manage or correct it. See our Terms.