P. Praveen Kumar

P. Praveen Kumar (b. 25 January 1971) is a leading Bharatanatyam exponent in the Pandanallur style, celebrated for his precise nritta and authentic male-oriented interpretation of the form. He trained under Smt. S. Narmada and Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar. He is the founder and director of Chithkala School of Dance, Bengaluru, and is empanelled with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) for international touring. An 'A' grade artist on Doordarshan since 2002, his notable productions include Rtu Vismruthi, Vani, Shiva Sutra Jaala, Sakha, Loka Bandhavyam, Anagha Vilasa, and Pandharpur. Awards include the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (Sangeet Natak Akademi, 2010), Mohan Khokar Award (2010), Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Yuva Pratibha Puraskar (2016), Doordarshan Chandana Award (2017), Best Bharatanatyam Dancer – Senior from Madras Music Academy Dance Festival (2018 & 2019), Karnataka Kalasri, and Senior Fellowship Award from Kalavaahini Trust (2024).