Sunil Sunkara : Kathak Artist
Sunil Sunkara Born into a mixed south Indian family and brought up in a multicultural environment, Sunil Sunkara identifies himself as a modern Indian with a modern yet traditional approach to life. He has pursued his PhD in bio-fuel research at the Institute of Chemical Technology Mumbai. He is a recipient of the Presidents National Balashri Honour in the field of Innovative science and the Multicultural Leadership Award from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA. He started training in Kathak in 2006 under the guidance of Ms Natalia Hildner and Ms Kiran Chouhan in the USA. Since 2009 he has been learning Kathak under the guidance of Guru Renu Sharma at Kalashram Mumbai, under the aegis of Padmavibhushan Pt Birju Maharaj. He has done his Nritya Nipun in Kathak securing a first division from the Bhatkhande Vidyapeeth, Lucknow. He has also completed his MA in Kathak from Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University , Ramtek and Diploma in Natyashastra from Bharata College of Fine Arts and Culture. He has also received mentorship from stalwarts like Padmashri Dr Puru Dadheech & Dr Vibha Dadheech, Padmashri Pt Pratap Pawar, Smt Kiran Bhargava, Smt Neelima Azeem , Smt Nirupama Rajendra & Sri TD Rajendra .
He has performed in India and internationally under the directorship of Padmavibhushan Pt Birju Maharaj and Ms. Saswati Sen in a number of venues. He was also part of the TV reality show Jhalak Dikhlaja (2013) and had performed at the International Film Festival of India 2013. He has been blessed by getting an opportunity to perform for world renowned kathakaar Morari Bapu ji in 2014. He was conferred the ‘Brahma Nritya Mani’ award by Rachna Sansad, Mumbai in Sep 2014. He performed on various occasions at the prestigious Rastriya Kathak Sansthan, Lucknow. He is currently the Dance Academic Head of the Art of Living Academy of Performing Arts(ALAP) under the aegis of Spiritual Guru Sri Sri Ravishankar. He was also the international coordinator for the Guinness record creating kathak performance at the World Culture Festival , Delhi, in March 2016 where he coordinated more than 1700 kathak artistes. He is a member of the United Nations International Council of Dance. Having done 100+ stage performances in solo, duet and ballet compositions, he has experience in stagecraft and production .
He holds a Junior Fellowship in Kathak from the MInistry of Culture. While pursuing research in kathak he regularly curates dance events and writes on various facets of dance through various print and online medium.
