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Dr. Piyush Raj

Dr. Piyush Raj is an Indian Kathak dancer, choreographer, arts entrepreneur, and performer. He has a doctorate in pharmacy and MBA degree in marketing. Dr. Raj transitioned into performing arts and dance after two decades in the medical industry followed by a duration of 10 years in interior and furniture design. He is the founder and director of Natanam Studio for Performing Arts in Mumbai, affiliated with the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and Natavari Kathak Nritya Academy. He is a well-known performer who devotes his life to promoting and reviving Indian classical dance.

Early Life and Education

Dr. Piyush Raj holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences from Mumbai University and an MBA in marketing from Prin. L.N. Welingkar Institute of Management. His fervour for dance continued throughout his academic and professional career, eventually resulting in his complete dedication to the performing arts and dance.

Dance Training

Dr. Raj is a Nritya Alankar in Kathak. He has received his initial training from Dr. Shveni Pandya, a disciple of Pandit Lacchu Maharaj. He continued his training for over two decades under the Guru-Shishya Parampara from Late Shri Bireshwar Gautam, a noted Kathak exponent and Thumri singer, who was trained under Guru Bandana Sen, Padmashri Pt. Gopi Krishna, and Padmashri Damayanti Joshi.

His signature dance style emphasizes Thehraav (meditative stillness) —and refined storytelling through Bhava and Abhinaya. Motivated by the legacy of his late guru, Dr. Raj is continuing his training in Thaat and Vilambit Khayal.

He is currently pursuing advanced training in Kathak under the guidance of Mahamahopadhyaya Padmashri Dr. Puru Dadheech, with whom he is working to revive ancient traditions such as Kathak Kathan Parampara and explore Aprachalit Taals (rare rhythmic patterns). His interests also extend to incorporate Kathak Prayoga with Shastra. He artistically blends both precision and soul—a very rare combination that is quickly disappearing from modern-day classical dance.

Dr. Raj has also attended various workshops under eminent gurus, including Pt. Birju Maharaj and Guru Pratap Pawar, and has attended body movement workshops by Aditi Mangaldas. He has contributed to multiple ballets that combine Kathak and folk elements and has extensive knowledge of Indian folk dances.

Academic Qualifications

• Nritya Alankar in Kathak–Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal

• Diploma in Kathak Shastra

• Diploma in Aprachalit Ang in Kathak

• Diploma in Personality Development through Performing Arts

• B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Ph.D. (Tech) in Pharmaceutical Sciences–Mumbai University

• MBA in Marketing –Prin. L.N. Welingkar Institute of Management

Natanam Studio: A Cultural Haven for the Artists

To fulfill his vision of providing a holistic space for performing arts to the Kathak dance lovers and enthusiasts, Dr. Raj founded Natanam Studio for Performing Arts in Mumbai. Affiliated with Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and Natavari Kathak Nritya Academy, the studio serves as a great place for artists, educators, and students alike. Here, he trains students from across the globe—virtually and in person—at both beginner and advanced levels, promoting inclusive and accessible learning in classical dance.

Choreographic and Creative Work

Dr. Raj has made notable contributions to the choreography of numerous classical ballets, often in collaboration with his gurus:

• Raag Milan – a synthesis of Rabindra Sangeet and classical music

• Kathak aur Thumri ke Rang – showcasing the intrinsic bond between Kathak and Thumri.

• Shakti – salutation to the divine feminine energy through the forms of Shiva, Durga, and Kali.

• Suraabhinaya – exploring the mother-son dynamic of Karna and Kunti

• Ashtanayika – portrayal of eight types of Nayika through Thumri

• Bharat Milap, Parvati Parinay, and Katha Somnath ki – narrative ballets in the Katha Kathan style conceptualized by Dr. Puru Dadheech

Academic Contributions

In the fields of dance and art, Dr. Raj has made significant scholarly contributions. He developed an exclusive course on Personality Development through Performing Arts, which is now adopted by India’s Ministry of Education and several corporate training programs.

He has presented papers and been a panelist at several conferences and summits:

• Panelist at Maya Rao Conference on Kathak Choreography (Mar 2020) for the discussion of Pedagogy of Kathak. The conference was organized by Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography, Bangalore.

• Panelist at “Breaking Stereotypes of a Male Classical Dancer” by Sunshine Initiatives in Mumbai, as a part of their CSR activities.

• Speaker at Global Tipping Point Summit 2023, on “Dance as a medium for education in schools to teach Environmental Sustainability”

• Guest speaker at MADHYAAM 2023, a media student summit on the topic - “Ordinary Lives- Extraordinary Stories”

• Presented lectures and demonstrations on Kathak body language, techniques, and Thehraav

• A presenter of research papers, including “Glimpses of Kathak Terminologies in Sangitadarpanam,” published in the prestigious Sangeet Natak journal

• Examiner and accredited teacher appointed by the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and the National Institute of Kathak, Kathak Kendra New Delhi.

• Developed a virtual training program in Kathak for students in India and abroad. He is also associated with several educational institutions, World Forum of Art and Culture (WFAC-an Art of Living initiative) and others.

• Contributor to outreach programs for children of un-aided under-privileged schools under NCPA’s Vistaar Initiative.

• Invited examiner by Kathak Kendra, New Delhi

• Moderator at Kathak Mahotsav, Pune (2023)

• He has presented a paper entitled “Kathak-Vibhhin Paramparaon ka Panjibhoot Swaroop” under publication in SANGNA journal by Sangeet Natak Akademi

Organizational Roles

• Trustee, Kathak Darpan Cultural Centre (founded by Lt. Guru Shri Bireshwar Gautam)

• Founder Director, Natanam Studio for Performing Arts, Mumbai. It is affiliated with the Gandharva Mahavidyala and Natavari Kathak Nritya Academy.

• Former General Secretary, Nartak Milan headed by Late Guru Krishnan Kutty and Late Guru Damayanti Joshi

• Former General Secretary and a Board of Trustee of Nrityanjali Institute

• Developed a unique personality development course, Diploma in Personality Development through Performing Arts with guidance from Shri Tushar Guha. This special course is now adopted by Ministry of Education India and corporate training programs

• Co-developer of the Diploma Course in Kathak Shastra, exploring literature and theory of Kathak over a two-year program

• Organized festivals such as PURUSH – an all-male dancers’ festival, SWARANJALI- a festival all about music and dance, PHAGUN – a festival of music and dance on Holi, SHAAGIRD – a festival featuring young and passionate disciples of renowned Gurus

• Organized a 2-day dance festival Ashitih Purukalp Utsav-2022 in Mumbai, to celebrate the birthday of renowned Kathak artist and his Guru Padmashri Dr Puru Dadheech.

• Key organizer of a national Kathak workshop attended by over 800 participants at the Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai.

• Trustee of Natavari Kathak Nritya Academy, Indore

• Member of Sanskrita Foundation, promoting classical dance and raising funds for cancer patients. Sanskrita Foundation is a charitable institute founded by Guru Shubhada Varadkar promoting Odissi Classical dance art form and other performing arts. The foundation is working for a noble cause to collect funds for the treatment of cancer patients.

• He is an active member in organizing annual dance festivals - Prayaag and Namamee of Sanskrita Foundation.

Performances

Dr. Raj graced the stages of many of India’s prestigious dance festivals, both solo and with his disciples:

• Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Mumbai

• Ellora Festival, Aurangabad

• Khajuraho Dance Festival,Madhya Pradesh

• Vasantotsav, Kalashram Kalashram, Delhi

• Dance Season – Opening Ceremony, NCPA Mumbai

• National celebrations such as Ashitih Utsavin Mumbai and Indore (2019–2024)

• Ram Ratan Dhan Lata Mangeshkar Festival, NCPA Mumbai

• Bhaav 2025, Expression Summit by World Forum of Arts and Culture, Art of Living Bangalore

• Natyanajli Mahashivratri Festival, Chembur, Mumbai.

• Arghya Festival - Art of Living, Triveni Ashram, Pune

• Ashitih Utsav 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 Indore

• Guru Wandana Festival - A Tribute to Late Guru Asha Joglekar, organized by Smt Archana Joglekar.

• Puru Kalp – Shiv Tatva in Puru Kalp-Indore 2023

• Dancing Soils, Art of Living Ashram, Gagangiri, Mumbai

• Atmanaad- A group presentation along with Students with other 108 Dancers of different styles organized by ALAP, Mumbai

• Nritya Aradhana Festival- Thematic presentation on Lord Ram

• Baithak- Natanam Studio, Mumbai

• Kala Arpan - Navratri Festival, Art of Living Ashram, Bangalore

• Koodalmanikaym Temple Festival, Thrissur, Kerala- 2022

• Kalasamapran Festival-Mumbai 2023

• Chidambaram Festival - Celebrating Male Dancers- Mumbai 2023

• Acted in Shyam Sakhi, a theatrical dance production directed by Late Shri Chetan Datar. It was conceptualized by Guru Rajashree Shirke and Shri Vaibhav Arekar staged in Prithvi Theatre, Mumbai.

• He has organized festivals like PURUSH (All-Male Dancer’s Festival), SHAAGIRD, PHAGUN, and Swaranjali, and has curated massive workshops featuring over 800 participants, under the guidance of Dr. Puru Dadheech.

Dr. Piyush Raj is continuously promoting dance as a tool for education, empowerment, and social impact through collaborations with NGOs, underprivileged schools, and international forums.