Mumbai teen steals the show at All-India cultural extravaganza

Hritika Kushwaha, a prodigiously talented class 11 Commerce student from Apeejay School, Nerul in Navi Mumbai, has recently added yet another feather to her cap by securing top honours in the prestigious multi-lingual contest, Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrutik Sangh. The three-day event, held in Pune in May 2023, witnessed participants from across India showcasing their prowess in drama, dance, and music. Hritika, with her extraordinary skills in Kathak dance and singing, emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

Unwavering passion for Kathak 

In a display of sheer brilliance and artistry, Hritika participated in both the solo and duet categories of Kathak dance along with singing, leaving the audience mesmerised by her graceful movements and captivating voice. Competing against some of the best young talents in the country, Hritika’s dedication and hard work paid off as she clinched the coveted first prize in the solo Kathak category, showcasing her exceptional command over the classical dance form.

Not stopping there, Hritika teamed up with a fellow performer for the duet Kathak category, where they showcased their seamless coordination and synchronisation. Their mesmerising performance earned them the third position, adding another accolade to Hritika’s growing list of achievements. Her ability to captivate the audience with her artistry and passion for Kathak was evident throughout the competition, firmly establishing her as a rising star. Interestingly, Hrithika went for the same competition a few years ago and bagged a consolation prize. This time, she doubled her hard work and spirit to ace it and came on top.

Display of sheer grit and perseverance  

Hritika’s journey to success has been marked by relentless dedication and unwavering passion. Having started learning Kathak at a tender age of 7, she has spent the past nine years honing her skills under the tutelage of renowned gurus at Siddhi Nrityakala Mandir in Sanpada, Navi Mumbai. She is also training under Ms Deepa Subramaniam and Ms Shraddha Bhide. Further, she looks up to celebrated artists like Birju Maharaj and Lata Mangeshkar.

Her tireless efforts and perseverance have not only earned her recognition at various competitions but have also instilled in her a deep understanding of the nuances of Kathak, enabling her to transcend the boundaries of traditional dance and explore her artistic expression.

Remarkably, the young prodigy’s talent extends beyond the realm of dance. Hritika has also showcased her vocal prowess in various singing competitions, consistently leaving the judges and audience in awe with her melodious voice and emotive renditions. Her exceptional command over both Kathak and singing has earned her accolades in competitions such as Nrityanjali, inter-school competitions, and the Rotary Club Dance Competition. Soon, she will be performing as part of an International-level competition in Thailand later this year.

Buoyed by her remarkable achievements, Hritika is set to embark on the next phase of her artistic journey. As she completes her Madhyama Purna, a significant milestone in her Kathak education, Hritika looks forward to pursuing a degree course in the field, ready to immerse herself further in the rich tapestry of Indian classical dance and expand her horizons as a performer. “I balance my academics and extracurriculars in the day. Now, I am even teaching students at the Kathak academy. Much part of my evening is dedicated to perfecting my craft,” says the achiever. 

Her achievements not only highlight her individual talent but also underscore the importance of nurturing and promoting the arts in our society. She serves as an inspiration for young artists across the country, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and explore the vast realms of Indian culture. Hrithika credits her parents, school teachers and gurus for their unwavering support and trust. “My family has been the backbone of my achievements. I look at them and begin my performances. My father drops everything to see me on the stage. He never misses a show despite his work,” she says. 

As Hritika continues to set new milestones in the world of dance and music, we can only anticipate an even brighter future for this talented star. In future, she also hopes to have a career in Banking paired with her extraordinary artistry and an indomitable spirit. Truly, she is poised to make an indelible mark.