Dr. Piyush Raj is a multifaceted artist with an academic approach to dance, an arts entrepreneur, and a dedicated performer. He holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacy and an MBA in Marketing, with a career that spans over two decades in the medical industry, followed by a decade in interior and furniture design. However, his passion for dance remained a constant throughout these ventures, leading him to eventually dedicate himself entirely to the performing arts.
Piyush is the Founder Director of Natanam Studio for Performing Arts in Mumbai, which provides a creative platform for various performing arts and is affiliated with the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and Natavari Academy of Kathak Dance. He serves as a trustee of the Kathak Darpan Cultural Centre, a charitable trust established by his late Guru Shri Bireshwar Gautam, and has been actively involved in numerous initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting classical dance forms.
Training in Kathak:
Piyush's journey in Kathak began under the guidance of Dr. Shveni Pandya, a disciple of Pandit Lacchu Maharaj, earning him the title of Nritya Visharad. His dance education was further enriched by his training under Late Shri Bireshwar Gautam, a renowned Kathak exponent and Thumri singer. Piyush spent over 18 years learning in the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara, focusing on the nuances of Kathak, with a particular emphasis on "Thehraav" (steadiness) and the art of Bhava and Abhinaya (expressions) in storytelling through dance. His performances are known for their deep emotional resonance and technical precision.
Currently, Piyush is pursuing advanced training under Padmashri Dr. Puru Dadheech, with a special focus on reviving the ancient Kathak Kathan Parampara and exploring rare rhythmic patterns (aprachalit taals). His dedication to integrating the theoretical aspects of Kathak with practical performance has inspired him to delve deeper into research within the field.
In addition to his classical training, Piyush has attended workshops with legends such as Pt. Birju Maharaj and Guru Pratap Pawar, and participated in body movement workshops with Aditi Mangaldas, enhancing his versatility as a dancer. His expertise also extends to Indian folk dances, having assisted in choreographing and performing in numerous ballets that blend Kathak with folk elements.
Entrepreneurial and Organizational Accomplishments:
Piyush's contributions to the world of performing arts go beyond his performances. He has been instrumental in organizing prestigious dance festivals and events, including the PURUSH Festival (an all-male dancer's festival), Swaranjali, Phagun, and Shaagird, to name a few. His role as a cultural entrepreneur is further reflected in his work with the Sanskrita Foundation, where he actively contributes to dance festivals that promote classical dance while supporting charitable causes, such as raising funds for cancer patients.
Piyush has also pioneered academic initiatives, including establishing the Diploma Course in Kathak Shastra, in collaboration with Dr. Puru Dadheech. This course, a comprehensive exploration of ancient and modern Kathak literature, has set new standards in the study of the dance form.
Academic Contributions and Recognition:
An advocate for the intellectual exploration of Kathak, Piyush has presented research papers at esteemed conferences, including the International Kathak Conference and the Maya Rao Conference on Choreography in Kathak. His research on Kathak terminologies and the pedagogy of Kathak has been published in national journals, contributing to the scholarly discourse on the dance form.
As a speaker and panelist, he has shared his insights on topics such as breaking stereotypes of male classical dancers, the role of dance in environmental sustainability education, and the transformative power of performing arts in personality development. His thesis on personality development through performing arts has been adopted by schools and corporations for training their executives.
Vision:
Driven by a deep-rooted love for the arts, Piyush aims to preserve the rich tradition of Kathak while also exploring innovative ways to present it to modern audiences. His commitment to blending artistry with academia and entrepreneurship has positioned him as a significant figure in the classical dance community. Through his work at Natanam Studio and various cultural platforms, he continues to nurture the next generation of dancers and promote the timeless beauty of Kathak.