S Block is blessed to have Pragati Sood Anand amongst its residents for quite many years.
Pragati is a renowned internationally famous, Kathak dancer, who has performed in more than twenty five countries bringing laurels to India.
She gives an insight into her marvaleous journey of almost last forty years.
Pl tell our readers about your initial years & how the journey in the world of classical dance started?– My journey in classical dance started very early at the age of seven. Even before that, I was quite fascinated by looking at the girls dancing & their costumes. My parents enrolled me in a neighborhood dance institute, which taught Bharat Natyam along with my sister. Soon I gave my 1st performance at the age of eight years. The number of performances increased day by day & soon I got a National Scholarship from the Ministry of Culture.
How did you get interested in learning Kathak?
At the age of 12, I got my exposure to Kathak in school & was keen to learn this style of classical dance. My family was a big support & they made me join Kathak Kendra in New Delhi. I completed my training after 13 years of a grueling & strenuous regime, under Illustrious & eminent Gurus like Pt. Birju Maharaj , Smt Vaswati Misra & smt. Geetanjali Lal.
I received Scholarship from Kathak Kendra, throughout my training. It was tough managing my studies with grueling dance practice, which sometimes extended for hours.
What about your college education & when did you take up Kathak professionally?
I completed BA(Hons) Sociology from JMC, Delhi University & made up my mind to take up dance professionally & had the full support of my parents & there was no looking back.
I understand that you have received many awards & have performed in several countries & represented India at many cultural events.
Yes, it is true. Apart from other awards, I have received the prestigious Young Women Achievers award by FICCI & I am happy to share that I have given solo performances in more than 30 countries so far, including USA, Europe, Latin America, Caribbean Islands Australia, Russia, South Africe etc. I am the 1st Indian artist to have performed at the prestigious “Harpa” Cultural Centre in Reykjavik, Ice land.
You have given several performances in India & abroad in various prestigious functions & events. Which is the most memorable one?
For an artiste, every performance is memorable as we have the audience in mind & art form with its grace & style is most important.
However most memorable is my performance at the Prime Minister’s house in the presence of PM & other dignitaries.
Abroad, I have given several performances in many countries but the most memorable one is the performance at the prestigious CARNEGIE Hall, New York & at Nehru Centre in London for the Indian High Commission.
Tell us about your on-screen presence
Yes, I have featured in choreographic compositions of Pt. Birju Maharaj, in a documentary serial based on Kathak “Srijanee”& documentary titled “Rasa Manjari” by ministry of External Affairs.
How are you carrying your legacy forward?
I have formed a group of performing artistes under the banner”Sahanartana”to promote classical dance through performances & work shops abroad & in Indian Schools. I have also founded a Kathak training institute & have trained more than 100 students so far & the journey continues.
Apart from being a dancer, I am also actively associated in the promotion of fine arts through various art workshops & exhibitions in India & abroad.
What about your family life?
I have been married to col. Sameer Anand for the last 21 years & have a daughter Ayza, who are my biggest supporters & critiques too.
