UMANG – Presenting Promising Artists

Manipuri Recital
By Dr. Pukhrambam Tejpati Devi and Dr. Pukhrambam Lilabati Devi

WHO STOLE MY GRAVITY?
By Reshma Shetty & Indu Santhosh

An NCPA Presentation Supported by HSBC India

Dr. Pukhrambam Tejpati Devi is a renowned Manipuri dancer, trained at Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy for nine years, mastering Lai Haraoba, Kabui, Mao, and Raas Leela traditions. She further pursued advanced studies at Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai, where she excelled in Bharatanatyam with distinction. A versatile performer, she has presented Manipuri and Bharatanatyam across India at prestigious festivals such as Konark, Octave, and Andaman’s Dweep Mahotsav, and internationally at the Srila Sripada Vyasa Puja in Mandalay. Honored with the title Deva Kanya by Dr. Sunil Kothari, she has received awards including the Usha Devi Gold Medal, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Award, National Talent Award, and Mother Teresa Ideal Award. She earned her Ph.D. from Hyderabad Central University with a comparative study of Raas performances of Manipur. A graded artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan, she has also served as a dance teacher at Kendriya Vidyalaya Imphal. Currently, she is the Founder-Guru of the Cosmopolitan Cultural Institution and continues to inspire as a performer, teacher, and scholar.

Dr. Pukhrambam Lilabati Devi is an Assistant Professor and former Head of the Department of Dance & Music at Manipur University. A Gold Medalist with First Class Distinction in her Master of Performing Arts (Dance), she holds a Ph.D. in Dance from Hyderabad Central University and cleared the UGC-NET in 2012. Trained at JNMDA, Imphal, and Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai, she has mastered both Manipuri Dance (Raas) and Bharatanatyam. Recognized as a Top Grade Artiste of Doordarshan, she has received several accolades including the Manipur State Kala Akademi Young Talent Award, Guru Tarunkumar Imagery Award, and the Global Achievers International Award (Bangkok, 2017). Her performances have taken her across the globe to Korea, Kazakhstan, Tunisia, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, establishing her as both a dedicated performer and academic in the field of Indian classical dance.

Indu Santhosh is a Bharatanatyam artist and founder of Vibhavana Foundation, Bangalore. A senior disciple of Smt. Shobanaa Bhalchandra and mentee of Shri Vaibhav Arekar, she holds an MFA in Bharatanatyam, is a Doordarshan-graded and Spic Macay-empanelled artist. She received the K.S. Subramanian Endowment Award (2024) from Narada Gana Sabha. Trained in Mohiniattam and rooted in Kerala’s classical arts, Indu has performed widely across India and abroad. Her work reflects deep inquiry and holistic practice. Through Vibhavana, she trains students, curates performances and outreach, and fosters cultural exchange, with a strong commitment to excellence in classical dance education.

Reshma Shetty is a dynamic artist with a master’s degree in Bharatanatyam and training in Odissi. An accomplished actor, dancer, director, choreographer, and teacher, she blends tradition with innovation through research-driven practice. A Doordarshan-graded artiste, Reshma has performed at prestigious platforms including NCPA, Eye on India (Hong Kong), and Bhakti Kala Kshetra. She is the recipient of the Singar Mani title, a National Scholarship from CCRT, Best Director at NCPA’s Short and Sweet Festival, and multiple theatre awards. Through her company, Sambhava Dance and Theatre Arts, she nurtures excellence in performance, aiming to shape world-class art and engaged audiences.

Entry free on a first-come-first serve basis.