# 48: Meri Kahani ft. Shila Mehta, Kathak Exponent

A distinguished and internationally renowned Kathak exponent who brings a track record in dance and academics as a holder of a Bachelors in Commerce, Masters in Dance (Gold Medalist) and has audited contemporary dance courses at York University, Toronto Canada. She is a rare combination of an accomplished performer, choreographer, visualizer, director, teacher, administrator and artist. A choreographer recognized for innovative presentations with the established Indian traditions represents the lineage of Kathak Gurus Nrityacharya Prahalad Das, Pt. Vijay Shankar & legendary Pt Birju Maharaj.  Being a Research Scholar, her long span career of 35 years in dance includes special field of research “Chaarani Ballad” singing, its manifestation and adaptation in Kathak performances which has finally resulted in a new addition to the arena of Kathak Dance “Chaarani Kathak for which She received Senior fellowship from Department of Culture, Government of India. This research is original in its kind and is viewed as one of its first kind in the Kathak Dance. Shila has added deeper dimensions to the theoretical aspects of Kathak and has extensively researched themes such as ‘Taal-Chhanda-Laya’ under the able guidance of Pt. Suresh Talwalkar. She has received the knowledge of Shastriya tenets, as elucidated in Bharat Muni's Natya Shastra, from Dr. Kanak Rele.  As a soloist performer, she has presented dance recitals at prestigious festivals all over the globe including solo performances at 17 cities of Germany under the series of “culture on Wheels” orgnised by Indian Council for Cultural Relations-New Delhi. As a dance educator, Shila has trained students globally including those choosing careers in the arts as well as balancing dual professions. She is the founder and artistic director of Nupur Zankar Academy of Performing Arts & Research Centre, based in Mumbai. Nupur Zankar is empaneled organisation with Indian Council for Cultural Relations-New Delhi. Driven by the philosophical underpinnings of Indian Classical forms, Shila Mehta’s Nupur Zankar has well-established centers across India, USA, UK and Belgium. This speaks to a conviction of using Indian cultural heritage as a medium for growth amongst people of all backgrounds. As a mass choreographer, she has successfully worked with ensembles of over 1,500 participants, including serving as Master of the choreographers for “Vibrant Gujarat”-at Rajkot attended by sixty-five thousand plus. Her productions like ‘Women Speak’, ‘Nimitta’, ‘Mahasati’, ’Abhisaar’, ’Rasotsav’ speak volumes about her novel approach as a choreographer and visualiser. On a personal level, service to humanity is important to Shila alongside working with individuals to unlock their own potential. She is well- known for bringing out the best of those under her tutelage and unite them as a global community of artists working towards a common goal- spreading all that Indian cultural heritage has to offer. You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at [email protected]. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.