Aditi Mangaldas Biography 
Aditi Mangaldas is a renowned Kathak dancer and choreographer from Gujarat. She has been a disciple of both Kumudini Lakhia and Birju Maharaj, great exponents of Kathak. She owns Drishtikon Dance Foundation, a dance institution in Delhi where she gives dance instructions to students. She also acts as artistic director and principal dancer of the group. She regularly gives Kathak performances at different dance festivals of India as well as abroad. "Footprints on Water” in 2005 was her first performance abroad, where she performed with a group of 6 dancers and 3 musicians. She is the niece of Pupul Jayakar, Indian cultural activist and writer known for the revival of traditional and village arts.
She was born and brought up in Ahmedabad. She completed graduation from St. Xavier’s College. She received initial training in Kathak from Kumudini Lakhia at Kadamb Centre during her childhood. It was her aunt Pupul Jayakar who advised her to move to Delhi to cherish her dreams. She reached Delhi in 1982. Very soon she joined Kathak Kendra at Delhi where she received training from Birju Maharaj. After completion of training she joined Birju Maharaj’s troupe and travelled extensively across the country as a Kathak dancer.
She established Drishtikon Dance Foundation at Delhi and also performed choreography for many dance concerts. She often creates the blend of traditional and contemporary styles through her works. Cheekh, Swagat Vistar, The Sound of the universe and Vrindakriti are her successful music shows for which she did choreography work. She was never satisfied with just the technique or the kinetics of dance, instead she wanted to explore the art, colours, moods and everything associated with Kathak.
Published: N/A
Updated: July 21, 2014
