Praveen Kumar

P. Praveen Kumar is a Bengaluru-based Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and nattuvanar, recognized for his deep-rooted classical training and refined performance style. Born into a family of artists, he began his training under the late Smt. Narmada and later advanced under the renowned Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar. His dance is particularly noted for its angashuddhi (purity of movement) and a disciplined adherence to traditional Bharatanatyam principles.

As the founder and director of the Chithkala School of Dance, Praveen Kumar has been actively involved in nurturing the next generation of dancers. His choreographic works often explore both classical themes and contemporary subjects, reflecting a balance between tradition and innovation. Notable productions include Sakha, which examines companionship; Rtu Vismruthi, addressing themes such as climate change; and Tyagaraja Hrt Sadana, a tribute to the saint-composer Tyagaraja. Other works like Shiva Sutra Jaala, Vani, and Pandharpur further highlight his creative range.

Praveen Kumar’s contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors, including the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2010. He was also awarded Best Dancer at the 2019 festival by the Madras Music Academy. An ‘A’ graded artist of Doordarshan, he has performed extensively at major festivals in India and internationally, representing Indian classical dance in countries such as the USA, UK, and Italy.