Meet Shambhavi Sharma, a teenage Kuchipudi dancer, who integrates artistic expression with social good

New Delhi : In a vibrant celebration of art, tradition, and youthful innovation, young Kuchipudi dancer Shambhavi Sharma made her grand formal solo debut with her Rangpravesham at the iconic Kamani Auditorium on October 24, 2025.

The event was graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as Chief Guest, Member of Parliament Rajiv Pratap Rudy, eminent Padma Bhushan Gurus Raja and Radha Reddy, senior bureaucrats, and professionals from various fields. During the occasion, the Defence Minister also launched the Nrityamrit report, highlighting Shambhavi's social impact initiatives.

A Class 12 student at Sanskriti School, New Delhi, where she serves as President of the Cultural Council, Shambhavi Sharma seamlessly integrates artistic expression with social good and STEM innovation.

Her dance journey, spanning over 10 years under Padma Bhushan Gurus Raja and Radha Reddy at Natya Tarangini, includes performances at prestigious platforms such as the International Rajgir Mahotsav in 2022, the G20 Youth Connect Programme in 2023, where she represented India's cultural heritage, the Parampara Series, and annual shows at Natya Tarangini Manch.

Shambhavi's accolades extend beyond the arts. She is an acclaimed author. Her book `The Algorithm of Betaal: A Futuristic Tale of the Commonwealth' was released by the National Book Trust in June 2025. It explores AI ethics through Indian legends.

Marking her formal solo debut after ten years of rigorous training under Gurus Raja and Radha Reddy, Shambhavi delivered four captivating Kuchipudi performances, including Dashavatara, depicting Vishnu's ten incarnations with dynamic energy; Gananathaya, an invocatory piece invoking Lord Ganesha's blessings; Tarangam on a brass plate, showcasing precision and balance amid intricate footwork; and Sanson ki Mala, embodying devotion and emotional depth.

"At just 17 years old, Shambhavi has already demonstrated an extraordinary blend of artistic mastery, entrepreneurial spirit, academic rigor, and social commitment that sets her apart as a future global changemaker." He praised her poise and emotional depth on stage, noting that her portrayal of the vibrant Dashavatara was "not merely a display of technical skill but a heartfelt narrative that bridged generations, evoking a sense of national pride and hope for the future." He further highlighted her "rare ability to channel devotion and discipline into something transformative," describing her as a "visionary leader ready to step onto global stages," said Rajnath Singh.

The Defence Minister, impressed by her artistic prowess and dedication to social impact, unveiled the “Nrityamrit” report as a secondary highlight, which chronicles her groundbreaking initiative to harness dance as a tool for healing and therapy.

Through Nrityamrit, launched in April 2023, she delivers healing and joy to hospitals, old-age homes, and underprivileged communities via the therapeutic essence of Kuchipudi dance. Her sessions offer mental peace and emotional support to patients, including veterans at various city hospitals. She also conducts dance classes for underprivileged children. As Rajnath Singh commended, her innovative use of classical Kuchipudi dance for mental well-being "resonates deeply with our government's vision of holistic development under Viksit Bharat, emphasizing the integration of cultural heritage with modern societal needs."

The event featured a special video presentation highlighting Shambhavi’s journey—a powerful testament to discipline, perseverance, and her profound reverence for the arts. Every movement and rhythm on stage echoed Natya Tarangini’s enduring legacy in nurturing young talent and safeguarding India’s classical dance heritage.

"It is overwhelming to see the support from every corner during my journey in dance. When I first joined Natya Tarangini at six, it was the quiet start of something truly special-a path that has unfolded with grace and wonder. Over these ten years, it's quietly become my second home, helping me grow as a dancer and in little ways that mean the world. What draws me back every time is the peace dancing brings, a soft escape where my worries just melt into the music and the flow. With gratitude in my heart and lightness in my steps, I look forward to the harmonious rhythms yet to grace my path, continuing to dance and learn under the guidance of my Gurus," said Shambhavi.

The Rangpravesham not only marked Shambhavi’s formal solo debut after ten years of training but also underscored the transformative potential of art, reinforcing Natya Tarangini’s commitment to preserving and evolving India’s cultural traditions.