In a time where fleeting trends and digital distractions often eclipse timeless traditions, Mr. Vikram Kumar BR stands out as a guardian of India’s artistic soul. Based in Visakhapatnam, he is more than a Kuchipudi dancer; he is a visionary, choreographer, mentor, author, festival curator, and cultural ambassador whose name resonates across India and beyond.
The Early Rhythm of a Lifelong Calling
Vikram Kumar’s tryst with Kuchipudi began in his early years, nurtured by his father’s support. What started as a curious interest soon bloomed into a devoted pursuit. His academic distinction in Kuchipudi, culminating in a Master of Arts from Andhra University, was only the beginning. He later became instrumental in establishing the Dance Department at his alma mater, mentoring countless students and reshaping how classical dance is perceived and practiced.
Choreographer with a Conscience
To Vikram Kumar, Kuchipudi is not merely a dance form; it is a dialogue between tradition and transformation. His productions are artistic revolutions. From the ecologically poignant ballet “Swachh Ganga – Swachh Bharat” to the folkloric marvel “Chenchu Lakshmi Narasimha Kalyanam” (performed over 150 times across India), his works blend classical rigor with contemporary relevance. Other standout productions include “Sri Krishna Leelalu,” “Society for Future,” and “Youth Never Sleeps”—each an eloquent expression of social, spiritual, and aesthetic narratives.
Drama Beyond the Dance
Armed with diplomas in Acting and Direction, Vikram has expanded his creative realm to the world of theatre. His mythological and philosophical plays have graced prestigious audiences, including dignitaries and intellectuals such as former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. These performances serve not just as entertainment but as profound reflections on society and culture.
Founding the Nataraj Music and Dance Academy (NMDA)
In 2000, Vikram Kumar founded NMDA, an ISO-certified institution affiliated with the International Dance Council (CID), UNESCO. Located in Visakhapatnam, NMDA has become a temple of classical arts, producing dancers who are as disciplined as they are passionate. With a curriculum rooted in tradition and shaped for the future, the academy is an emblem of holistic artistic growth.
Orchestrating India’s Premier Dance Festivals
As a curator of India’s most revered dance festivals, Vikram Kumar has created stages that elevate both the legendary and the emerging. His festivals include:
- Vysaki Nrithyotsav
- Bharat Nrithyotsav
- Sathyabhama Yuva Nrithyotsav
- Naatya Tharang Sangeeth Nrithyotsav
- Amaravati Nrithyotsav
- Jathis – Roving Dance Festival
These aren’t just cultural events—they are experiences, spiritual journeys where the soul of India dances into the hearts of thousands.
Championing Indian Dance Through Journalism
Vikram Kumar’s contributions to documentation are no less remarkable. As the founder and editor of The Dance India magazine, he has created a vital platform for preserving India’s Guru-Shishya tradition and promoting intellectual discourse on dance. The ISSN and RNI-registered magazine is distributed to over 650 libraries, ensuring that the essence of classical dance reaches every corner of the country.
Scholar and Author
With his MA dissertation on Siva Thandavam and Saptha Thandavam, and two widely circulated books on Padma Bhushan Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam, Vikram Kumar has established himself as a scholar whose knowledge is as deep as his artistry. His papers and lectures at national and international symposia have earned accolades from the academic and artistic worlds alike.
Accolades and Recognition
Vikram Kumar’s dedication has garnered prestigious awards, including:
- Republic Day Excellence Award – Govt. of Andhra Pradesh
- Naatya Kala Poshaka Award – Karnataka
- International Dance Congress Excellency Award – Odisha
- Rastreeya Kala Poshak Samman – Bangalore
- Best Promoter of Indian Culture – PRSI
- Best NGO in CSR Contribution – PRSI National Convention
- Jayadev Excellency Award – Bhubaneswar
- Ugadi Puraskar – Presented by CM N. Chandrababu Naidu
Ambassador of Indian Culture
Having performed and presented in countries like UAE, Hong Kong, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, Vikram Kumar BR represents India’s cultural essence on a global stage. His presence transcends performance, embodying the spirit of a true cultural envoy.
The Living Legacy
Mr. Vikram Kumar BR is not just a performer or educator; he is a movement. Through his every step, gesture, word, and creation, he builds bridges between generations, between tradition and innovation. “Art is not just a performance,” he often says, “it’s a responsibility.” And in carrying that responsibility, he continues to inspire, uplift, and immortalize the heritage of Indian classical dance.
A legacy not just remembered, but danced into the future.
