Mahakali

Dr. Anuradha (Jonnalagadda) Tadakamalla is a renowned Kuchipudi exponent, choreographer, and scholar whose contributions span performance, pedagogy, and research. A leading authority on abhinaya, she has represented India at major international festivals and performed at prestigious venues including Khajuraho and Soorya. The first performer-scholar to academically establish Kuchipudi through her Ph.D., she teaches at the University of Hyderabad, guiding numerous doctoral scholars. Recipient of the Padmasri Dr. Sobha Naidu Lifetime Achievement Award, her choreographies like Mahakali and Apas fuse classical precision with contemporary resonance.

Dr. Katyayani Kanak combines artistry, intellect, and vision in her multifaceted engagement with Kuchipudi. With over 16 years of training under DSV Sastry and a Ph.D. in dance, she currently teaches at the University of Silicon Andhra. A gifted choreographer and curator, she has presented national cultural programs through the Lasyakalpa Foundation, featuring luminaries such as Nrityagram and Rama Vaidyanathan. Her sense of aesthetics and mentorship have helped shape a new generation of performers and audiences.

Aparna Dhulipalla is a dynamic Kuchipudi performer with over two decades of experience. An A-Grade Doordarshan artiste, she holds a Master’s in Kuchipudi from the University of Hyderabad, where she is also pursuing her Ph.D. under Prof. Anuradha Jonnalagadda. Known for her expressive abhinaya and commanding stage presence, Aparna has earned critical acclaim across platforms. Alongside her performances, she actively contributes to dance education and scholarship through teaching and writing.

Vaishnavi P. B. brings over two decades of dedicated Kuchipudi training under Guru P. B. Krishna Bharathi. A key member of several acclaimed productions, including Mahakali, she is known for her intelligence, precision, and captivating presence on stage. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Hyderabad under Prof. Anuradha Jonnalagadda, Vaishnavi continues to refine her craft while exploring new choreographic interpretations within the classical framework.

Anusha Srinivas is a versatile Kuchipudi artiste and educator whose grace and precision define her performances. Trained under Guru Geeta Madhuri and Prof. Anuradha Jonnalagadda, she holds a Master’s in Performing Arts (Dance) from the University of Hyderabad. As Artistic Director of Srinidhi Arts Academy, she nurtures young dancers with her characteristic warmth and discipline. Anusha’s artistry lies in her seamless blend of classical structure, narrative clarity, and emotional nuance.

Sreenaiah Bakki is an accomplished Kuchipudi dancer and teacher with a Master’s degree in Performing Arts from the University of Hyderabad. Trained under Gurus Vedantam Satyanarasimha Sastri, Vempati Ravi Shankar, and Prof. Anuradha Jonnalagadda, he has performed at prestigious national and international festivals. Known for his refined nritta and expressive abhinaya, Sreenaiah brings technical mastery and grace to every performance. He heads the Temple of Kuchipudi Academy in Hyderabad, mentoring the next generation of dancers.

Praveen Voggu is a Kuchipudi artist from Hyderabad, who holds a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts (Dance) from the University of Hyderabad. He also acquires his hereditary art form, Voggu Kala. He is trained under Guru Vempati Ravi Shankar and Prof. Anuradha Jonnalagadda. Being a B grade from Doordarshan, he has given many solo and group performances both in India and abroad. A few of his noted performances are Vempati Nartanam performed at Malaysia, his character portrayals in Mahakali and Ksheerasagara Madhanam, and others.