An acclaimed Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer, Dr. Sanjay Shantaram has performed in 25+ countries and led Shivapriya School of Dance for 33 years. Despite challenges, he pursued his passion, inspiring many to tread on the path of Indian Classical Dance.

Dr. Sanjay Shantaram, the esteemed Artistic Director of Shivapriya School of Dance in Bangalore, has been a guiding force in the world of Indian Classical Dance for over 33 years. A highly accomplished Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer, performer, teacher, lyricist, vocalist, and choreographer, Dr. Shantaram has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage.

Despite being a qualified Dentist, Dr. Shantaram chose to follow his true calling—dance, transforming his passion into a lifelong profession. His mesmerizing performances have graced stages in over 25 countries, and he has conducted numerous workshops worldwide, inspiring generations of dancers.

With his vast expertise, Bharatanatyam Expert Dr. Sanjay Shantaram continues to educate and inspire audiences worldwide, shedding light on the rich heritage and nuances of these classical dance forms. His in-depth understanding and refined artistry have made him a prominent figure in the field of Indian classical dance.

Initially, dance was merely a hobby for him, but his deep-rooted love for the art form led him to establish himself as one of the most respected figures in the field. Through Shivapriya School of Dance, he has nurtured countless students, shaping them into skilled artists. His contributions to classical dance, combined with his expertise as a choreographer and lyricist, continue to leave a lasting impact on the global dance community.

With his extensive experience and unwavering dedication, Dr. Sanjay Shantaram remains a celebrated name in the realm of Indian classical dance, earning recognition for his artistry, innovation, and commitment to tradition.

A distinguished Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi Dance Performer and Expert, Dr. Sanjay Shantaram shares valuable insights into these two classical South Indian dance forms. While many perceive them as similar, he clarifies that they have distinct identities despite certain common elements.

Dr. Shantaram explains that both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi share similarities in costume design, hand gestures (mudras), expressions (abhinaya), and the use of props. Additionally, Carnatic music serves as the foundation for both styles. However, the key differences lie in their footwork, pace, and presentation. Dr. Shantaram elaborates:

• Kuchipudi is known for its graceful, fluid movements and is performed at a fast pace, incorporating dynamic leaps and intricate footwork. It also features Vachika Abhinaya, where dialogues are spoken on stage, adding a theatrical element.

• Bharatanatyam, on the other hand, follows a structured, geometric approach, maintaining a steady, rhythmic pace. Unlike Kuchipudi, it does not include spoken dialogues, relying entirely on pure expression and movement to convey narratives.

Dr. Sanjay Shantaram’s extraordinary dance saga began at the tender age of seven when he was deeply moved by the iconic film Sankarabharanam. Watching the mesmerizing performance of Manju Bhargavi in the film, he discovered his passion for dance. The legendary actress not only became his inspiration but also his Kuchipudi guru, shaping his artistic foundation.

Growing up, Dr. Sanjay seamlessly balanced his early training in dance with his exposure to the film industry. His father, a renowned dentist, had numerous Film Producers and Directors as his patients, which led to him working as a child artist in over 80 films. However, his dedication to dance remained unwavering, and during his formative years, he delivered an astounding 3,000 to 4,000 performances, refining his craft through relentless practice.

Dancer Sanjay's progress from an inspired young boy to an internationally acclaimed dancer, performer, and choreographer is a testament to his passion, perseverance, and devotion to the art of Indian classical dance.

Reflecting on his early years, Sanjay Shantaram, a proud native of Bangalore, credits his success to his deep-rooted connection with the arts. He completed his schooling at Poornaprajna Education Centre and later pursued his graduation from the Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences.

Throughout his academic path, he received immense encouragement from his school and college, as both institutions recognized and supported his artistic pursuits. The principals’ unwavering support for the arts played a crucial role in allowing him to balance his education with his passion for dance and performance.

Dr. Sanjay firmly believes that his achievements and identity today are solely because of the arts. His progress stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and artistic dedication, inspiring aspiring artists to follow their dreams against all odds.

Kuchipudi Dancer Sanjay Shantaram considers himself incredibly fortunate to have pursued both acting and dance, as his experience in acting greatly enriched his expressive skills as a dancer. He firmly believes that choosing dance as a profession was the right decision and has no regrets about the path he had chosen. Embracing every opportunity that came his way, he remained steadfast in his passion, allowing his art to shape his destiny.

He attributes his success and achievements to the unwavering support of his mother and the invaluable guidance of his gurus, who played a pivotal role in molding him into the artist he is today.

Although he graduated as a Dentist and briefly practiced at his father’s clinic until 2002, his true calling lay in the world of dance. Eventually, he made the decisive shift to pursue his passion full-time, a choice that led to his remarkable success as a Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi maestro.

Bharatanatyam Exponent Dr. Sanjay Shantaram has faced his fair share of challenges in his pursuit of dance, particularly the stigma surrounding male dancers. He recalls how society, including some of his friends and relatives, criticized and discouraged him for pursuing dance. However, his unwavering passion and dedication kept him moving forward. He refused to let negativity deter him, continuing to train, perform, and refine his art.

Today, he feels immense pride and joy seeing a growing number of male dancers confidently sharing their performances and videos on digital platforms. Their visibility and success reaffirm his belief that choosing dance as a profession was the right decision.

When it comes to role models, Dr. Sanjay holds his guru celebrated superstar Manju Bhargavi in the highest regard. She not only inspired him but also transformed his life, introducing him to the world of dance and shaping his progress in the field. While he deeply respects and appreciates all his teachers, he admits that he never looked up to any one person as a role model beyond his guru.

Instead, he firmly believes in being his own critic, constantly striving for self-improvement. Every day, he challenges himself to evolve as an artist, ensuring that he remains a lifelong student of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.

For Dr. Sanjay, time management is all about setting priorities. He believes that having a clear goal—whether it's achieving success or making an impact—helps in efficiently balancing responsibilities. According to him, the field of art is not just about personal achievement but about creating a difference in people’s lives.

His extensive travels across 25+ countries have allowed him to reshape perceptions of dance and art, inspiring individuals of all ages. He proudly shares that many people, even those in their 40s and 50s, have taken up the arts after witnessing his performances. One of his most remarkable experiences was training a 62-year-old student, proving that age is never a barrier when it comes to passion and learning.

Beyond dance, Dr. Sanjay has also embraced singing and writing, seamlessly integrating these forms into his artistic pursuit. His dedication to the arts extends beyond performance—he believes in nurturing creativity in all its dimensions.

For those looking to enter the field of dance, Dr. Sanjay’s advice is simple yet powerful:

• Ignore negativity – Don’t let people’s taunts or criticisms discourage you. Do what you love and follow your heart.

• Work hard and believe in yourself – The field of art is highly competitive, so strive to be the best version of yourself.

• Be a leader, not a follower – Instead of imitating others, develop your own unique style so that people follow you.

• Patience, honesty, and sincerity – Success in the arts doesn’t come overnight. Stay committed, be truthful to your craft, and never stop learning.

With this mindset, Dr. Shantaram believes that aspiring dancers can carve a niche for themselves and make a lasting impact in the world of classical dance.

He encourages young artists to dream big, but he cautions them against getting caught in a race for success. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of nurturing one’s art like a delicate plant—with patience, care, and dedication. True mastery comes from deep learning and perseverance, not from rushing toward fame or competition.

For Dr. Shantaram, stress management is deeply connected to his art. He practices Pranayama and Meditation to maintain mental balance, but his greatest therapy is dance. Whenever he feels anxious or overwhelmed, he turns to dance as his ultimate form of meditation and relaxation.

Classical Dance Artist Dr. Sanjay Shantaram firmly believes in the power of self-belief and intuition. His guiding philosophy is:

• "Believe in yourself and listen to your heart."

• "Become what you want to be—if you are happy and at peace, everything else will fall into place."

Over time, Dr. Sanjay Shantaram has realized that true success lies in enjoying the journey rather than just chasing the destination. His advice to everyone is to embrace life, go with the flow, and find happiness in the present moment. By staying grateful, giving your best, and trusting the process, fulfillment and success will naturally follow.