Mahua Shankar, an award-winning Kathak dancer of the Lucknow Gharana, excels in classical artistry and global cultural exchange, directing the Guru Pradeep Shankar Academy and mentoring students worldwide.
Mahua Shankar, a celebrated Kathak virtuoso of the Lucknow Gharana, seamlessly blends tradition and innovation. Trained by her parents, Smt. Rekha Shankar Ji and Guru Pradeep Shankar Ji, and later by legends such as Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj and Ustad Ghulam Sabir Khan, she embodies the essence of classical Kathak. An A-grade artist with Delhi Doordarshan and an ICCR empanelled performer, she has earned accolades like the Shringar Mani and Nritya Bhushan awards.
In 2021-22, Mahua’s visionary choreography project for 150 Japanese students, lauded by the Japanese government, showcased her adaptability and creativity. As director of the Guru Pradeep Shankar Academy of Promoting and Performing Arts, she mentors global students through virtual platforms. Her performances, marked by elegance and emotional depth, have been featured at prestigious events worldwide, including Rashtrapati Bhavan and international festivals, establishing her as a dynamic cultural ambassador.
