UMANG - Presenting Promising Artists

Manipuri Recital

By Pukhrambam Bilash Singh & Gurumayum Chandan Devi

WHO STOLE MY GRAVITY?

By Reshma Shetty & Indu Santhosh

Pukhrambam Bilash Singh is a distinguished Manipuri artiste, celebrated for his versatility and dedication to the classical dance traditions of Manipur. A recipient of the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from the Sangeet Natak Akademi, he has been rigorously trained in Manipuri Dance, Classical Solo Dance, Lai Haraoba,Thang-ta (Martial art)and Ballet at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), Imphal.Singh holds certificate, diploma, and post-diploma qualifications from JNMDA, where he studied under revered gurus such as M. Kaminikumar Singh, R. Iboton Singh, Th. Chaotombi Singh, and W. Lokendrajit Singh. He further enriched his training through multiple government scholarships, including a 3-year scholarship from JNMDA, a 2-year scholarship in Manipuri martial art Thang-Ta, and a 2-year scholarship for Lai Haraoba from the Ministry of Culture. An ‘A’ grade artiste of Doordarshan Kendra, New Delhi, and an empanelled artiste of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Singh has performed at prestigious venues across India and abroad. His excellence has been recognised with the Young Talent Award by the Manipur State Kala Academy and the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Award, among others. He is currently associated with JNMDA, Imphal, as a head of Production Unit in the Production Unit, continuing his commitment to the preservation and promotion of Manipuri dance.Now he is a Director of Jawaharalal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy since 2020.

Gurumayum Chandan Devi is a highly accomplished Manipuri dancer known for her rigorous training, refined artistry, and dedication to preserving the classical traditions of Manipur. She holds an M.A. in Manipuri Dance from Manipur University and has completed multiple professional courses, including Certificate, Diploma, and Post-Diploma programs in Ras Leela and Lai Haraoba from the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), Imphal. She also holds a diploma in stage make-up. Trained under eminent gurus such as Padmashree Th. Babu Singh, Padmashree Th. Thouranishabi Devi, SNA awardees M. Kaminikumar Singh and Ph. Iboton Singh, and others, Chandan Devi has also studied Manipuri solo dance, ballet, and theatre under the guidance of leading maestros. She has been awarded prestigious national honours including the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Award, and scholarships from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. An empanelled artist with ICCR, she holds a Top Grade from Doordarshan Kendra, New Delhi, and is currently working as junior Production Assistant at Production Unit JNMDA contributing actively to the field through performance, teaching, and choreographic work.

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.

An NCPA Presentation

Supported by HSBC India

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

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