Visakhapatnam, India – Mr. Vikram Kumar BR stands as a living embodiment of India’s classical dance and theatre traditions, with an illustrious career dedicated to preserving, promoting, and reimaging Kuchipudi on national and global stages. From a young boy with a passion for dance to becoming a globally recognized performer, choreographer, director, researcher, and editor—his journey is one of relentless dedication to the arts.
A Lifelong Devotion to Kuchipudi— Pioneering Contributions to Kuchipudi Over a Lifetime
Mr. Vikram’s journey in Kuchipudi began in childhood, nurtured by the unwavering support of his father. He pursued his passion academically, earning a Master of Arts in Kuchipudi with distinction from Andhra University. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Dance Department at the university and contributed immensely to its growth through performances, seminars, and workshops.
As a Kuchipudi performer, Mr. Vikram has taken center stage at numerous prestigious All India dance and theatre festivals, capturing the audience with his compelling portrayals and mastery of expression.
Choreographing with Innovation and Impact
A visionary choreographer, Mr. Vikram brought a fresh perspective to traditional compositions. His celebrated productions include Chenchu Lakshmi Narasimha Kalyanam, an experimental ballet blending Kuchipudi with folk elements—performed over 150 times across India. His thought-provoking creation Swachh Ganga – Swachh Bharat emphasized the need for environmental consciousness through dance. Other renowned productions under his creative direction include Maha Visakha Vaibhavam, Sri Krishna Leelalu, Society for Future, and Youth Never Sleeps.
Theatre Artiste and Director
Mr. Vikram’s talent extends beyond dance. With diplomas in Acting and Direction from Andhra University, he played key roles in mythological, social, and philosophical dramas. His work in theatre garnered recognition at Central University meets and captured the attention of esteemed dignitaries including former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam during official university visits.
Founding Nataraj Music and Dance Academy
In 2000, he founded the Nataraj Music and Dance Academy (NMDA) in Visakhapatnam, which has grown into a cultural powerhouse, fostering countless students in Kuchipudi. The ISO 9001:2008 certified institution is affiliated with the International Dance Council under UNESCO and is a beacon of Indian art education.
A Festival Maestro
Mr. Vikram has organized several prestigious cultural festivals that spotlight Indian classical dance on both national and international platforms. His initiatives include:
- Vysaki Nrithyotsav
- Bharat Nrithyotsav
- Nataraj Nrithyotsav
- Naatya Tharang Sangeeth Nrithyotsav
- Sathyabhama Yuva Nrithyotsav
- Jathis – Roving Dance Festival
- Amaravati Nrithyotsav
These festivals have featured performances by India’s most respected artists, including Padma awardees and Sangeet Natak Akademi honorees.
Editor of ‘The Dance India’ Magazine
In an era of diminishing Guru-Shishya Parampara, Mr. Vikram founded The Dance India, a monthly cultural magazine in English that has become a vital medium for documentation, education, and encouragement. The magazine, with ISSN and RNI registration, is subscribed by over 650 libraries and reaches thousands across India, offering research articles, reviews, artist profiles, and tributes.
Acclaimed Researcher and Cultural Documentarian
Mr. Vikram’s research contributions are equally noteworthy. His MA dissertation explored Siva Thandavam and Saptha Thandavam, and he regularly presents papers at cultural symposiums. One of his most cherished works includes authoring two landmark books on Padma Bhushan Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam, distributed across thousands of schools and libraries in Andhra Pradesh.
Recognized Excellence
His work has earned him numerous prestigious accolades:
- Govt. of Andhra Pradesh Republic Day Excellence Award
- Naatya Kala Poshaka Award (Sagara, Karnataka)
- International Dance Congress Excellency Award (Governor of Odisha)
- Rastreeya Kala Poshak Samman (Minister of Law, Bangalore)
- Best Promoter of Indian Culture Award – Public Relations Society of India
- Best NGO in CSR Contribution – PRSI National Convention
- Jayadev Excellency Award – Jayadev Samaroh, Bhubaneswar
- Ugadi Puraskar State Award from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, presented by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Global Presence and Cultural Ambassadorship
Mr. Vikram has represented Indian culture internationally, with artistic tours in UAE, Hong Kong, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia—showcasing the depth and grace of Indian classical dance.
A Legacy for the Future
Mr. Vikram Kumar BR continues to inspire the next generation of artists through his multifaceted work as a performer, director, editor, researcher, and cultural leader. His journey is a testament to the timeless power of Indian classical arts and the impact one individual can make in nurturing and promoting this heritage.