NANDINI SINHA: A VERSATILE EXPONENT OF INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE IN KATHAK

Posted on 21 May 2025:

Nandini Sinha: A Versatile Kathak Artiste and Cultural Ambassador

NANDINI SINHA IS A TRUE EMBODIMENT OF ELEGANCE AND TRADITION, BRINGING KATHAK TO LIFE WITH EVERY STEP AND RHYTHM. A CELEBRATED ARTISTE, SHE HAS CAPTIVATED AUDIENCES ACROSS INDIA AND THE WORLD WITH HER REFINED ARTISTRY AND DEEP-ROOTED PASSION.

Her dedication to the classical dance form has earned her prestigious honors, including selection for the Commonwealth Exchange Program in the UK, where her talent led to an exclusive interview with the BBC.

Nandini Sinha is a renowned exponent of Kathak, one of the most graceful and expressive forms of Indian classical dance. Having trained under legendary gurus such as Pandit Vijai Shankar, Pandit Birju Maharaj and worked with Smt. Kumudini Lakhia, Shri M. Balamuralikrishna, Smt. Rani Karna, Nana Gleason & Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan and others, she has mastered the art with depth and devotion. Her journey in dance is complemented by her academic achievements, including a Master’s in Political Science and Indology, reflecting her keen intellect and commitment to culture.

Her professional experiences extend beyond performing—she has served as a teacher, choreographer and cultural ambassador.

Appointed by the ICCR, she promoted Indian performing arts in Indonesia from 2001 to 2004, playing a pivotal role in cross-cultural exchange. Additionally, her contributions to international festivals, including her role in SANGAM, an Indo-Indonesian cultural festival, showcase her ability to blend tradition with global outreach. She also worked as Country Representative of Noble International University, USA for coordinating with other academic & cultural organizations. Also worked as Liaison Officer at the International Film Festival held in Calcutta, India in 1998.

Fluent in multiple languages such as English, Hindi, Bengali and Bahasa (Indonesian), Nandini Sinha embodies artistic excellence and cross-border cultural representation. Her work continues to inspire dancers and audiences worldwide, making her a true torchbearer of Indian heritage.

Nandini Sinha: A Global Ambassador of Kathak

With extraordinary grace and mastery, Nandini Sinha has mesmerized audiences across India and beyond, performing as a soloist and lead dancer in prestigious national and international festivals. Her artistry has illuminated stages in the UK, USA, Europe, Indonesia, Qatar and Japan, where she has not only performed but also shared her knowledge through insightful lec-dem workshops.

Her excellence as both a performer and choreographer has earned her a place in major dance festivals, particularly in India and Indonesia, where she has showcased the timeless beauty of Kathak. In 2015, she further expanded her artistic horizons by participating in the Indo-Kuwait Relation Programme, blending the rhythmic grace of Kathak with the fiery passion of Flamenco in a groundbreaking collaboration.

Through her performances and cultural exchanges, Nandini Sinha continues to bridge traditions and audiences, making Kathak a truly global experience.

Nandini Sinha: Bridging Cultures Through Kathak

With a deep understanding of socio-historic cultural connections, Nandini Sinha has masterfully blended Indian, Central Asian and Mediterranean influences into her artistic expressions. Her passion for dance goes beyond performance—it is a journey of cultural integration, making her a visionary in the world of classical arts.

As a distinguished national and international Kathak dancer, choreographer and creative director, she has contributed immensely to major cultural events under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Her expertise is recognized by esteemed institutions such as Sangeet Natak Academy and the Human Resource Development sector of the Government of India.

Beyond the stage, she plays a vital role in academia and cultural diplomacy, serving as an external examiner for Rabindra Bharati University, Calcutta, and prestigious music schools, including Padatik and the Calcutta School of Music. Her global engagement extends to affiliations with the Qatar Foundation in Doha and the World Dance Federation in Athens.

Nandini Sinha’s dedication to the preservation and innovation of classical dance continues to inspire generations, making her an influential figure in both Indian and international artistic circles.

Nandini Sinha: A Trailblazer in Art and Academia

Beyond her mastery of Kathak, Nandini Sinha has amassed a remarkable portfolio of achievements that extend into sports, academia and cultural diplomacy. As a national-level swimmer in the late 1970s, she demonstrated a spirit of excellence that continues to define her journey. Her contributions to Indian classical dance have been recognized with prestigious scholarships and fellowships from the Government of India, solidifying her status as a leading exponent of the art form.

Her influence goes beyond dance performances—she has represented India and her alma mater, St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata on global platforms, including the World Jesuit Conference in Sydney, Australia, where she served as a cultural spokesperson.

In recognition of her leadership and organizational expertise, she was appointed as Victory Ceremony Manager for the Doha Asian Games in 2006. Additionally, she has received several prestigious awards, including the Sri Jaydev Rashtriya Samman, Guru Mata Award, Nritya Urvashi, and Susringar Award, celebrating her immense contributions to Indian performing arts.

As the Artistic Director of ARPAN Centre for Performing Arts and Research Studies, she continues to inspire and shape the future of dance. Her literary pursuits are equally impressive—she is the author of an upcoming book on Wajid Ali Shah’s contributions to Kathak and is currently editing ‘Spectrum of Kathak’ for Shubhi Publications, New Delhi.

Through her artistry, intellect, and dedication, Nandini Sinha has not only preserved the richness of Indian heritage but also propelled it onto the global stage, making her a true luminary in the world of performing arts and cultural studies.