Nagpur based Bharata Natyam exponent Rishikesh Pohankar is quite excited to reveal that he is the recipient of the Pt Gopi Krishna National Puraskar for his contribution as a classical dancer at the 67th All India Drama and Dance Competition held in Shimla recently and organised by All India Artists Association (AIAA).

This is an annual event that attracts the attention of theatre actors and classical dancers, as several theatre groups and dancers participate in this unique competition, for the promotion and propagation of Indian performing arts.

All India Artists Association was established by Sudarshan Gour in order to encourage healthy interaction with performing artists and also to present wholesome and significant entertainment for the benefit of the audience. Presently the soul behind AIAA is the popular serial actor Rohitashv Gour and his wife Dr Rekha Gour. One of the most popular serials of Rohit is "Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai". Being an annual event, lot of artists look forward to this unique event.

Rishikesh Pohankar says "I am really happy to get such a wonderful award at the start of my professional career as classical dancers, it means a lot to me. I was facing a lot of personal problems but this award has really boosted my morale as a classical dancer. encouraging me to do better in my artistic pursuits".

Rishikesh Pohankar is the disciple of Guru Ratnam Janardhanan Nair, who is an established Bharata Natyam and Mohniattam exponent and founder director of Pratibha Nritya Mandir, which is the leading dance academy in Nagpur, functioning for almost four decades. Several students have been trained and Rishikesh Pohankar holds the distinction of being the first male student to become a professional dancer, Rishikesh has already performed in some prestigious festivals and is looking forward to a meritorious career as a dancer and mentor too.

Pohankar added, “By the blessings of Almighty Lord Natraj and my all guru's, guru ma Smt. Ratnam J Nair, my parents and all my well wishers, I got felicitated d by Shri. Rohitashv Gour sir.  Feel so humble and proud to receive such a prestigious honor for my contribution in the field of Bharatnatyam”.

Nagpur is considered the second capital of Maharashtra and also home for several leaders and officials but sadly, hardly anything is happening in the cultural field and to get corporate sponsors for events is next to impossible, hence programmes are rarely held. Rishikesh is a rare exception who always expresses his gratitude to his mentor and seeking out to reach out to better avenues and expanding his horizon as a devoted classical dancer.

By Guru Vijay Shanker