A journey rooted in parental support and a lifelong passion for Kathak, Hemant Kumar has achieved remarkable milestones, including a national scholarship, international performances in 20–25 countries, and establishment of dance schools in Kulhati and Guwahati. His dedication extends to acting and painting, reflecting his belief that art is interconnected.

Hemanta Kumar Kalita, a talented Kathak artist and the founder of Nrityangan, a renowned dance school, exemplifies how passion and dedication can lead to success. Hailing from Assam, Kumar’s journey into the world of Kathak began in childhood, supported by the unwavering encouragement of his parents.

Sharing his accomplishments, Hemanta highlights receiving a prestigious national scholarship and the opportunity to travel to over 20–25 countries, representing Kathak on global stages. He takes immense pride in founding Nrityangan, which started with just two students and has now expanded to schools in Kulhati and Guwahati, empowering aspiring dancers and preserving the art form.

Recognising Hemanta’s natural flair for dance, his father ensured he received proper training. Hemanta started learning Kathak under the guidance of his first guru, Shashi Kumar Sinha. While pursuing his BSc from Guwahati University, Hemanta actively participated in youth festivals, where his stellar performance earned him a gold medal. This achievement caught the attention of Vipul Das, who invited him to join his academy for further training. After graduation, Hemanta’s passion drove him to Delhi, where he studied under the legendary Kathak maestro, Birju Maharaj, further refining his skills.

Hemanta credits much of his success to the steadfast support of his parents, whom he describes as his first institution for nurturing his artistic growth. Their encouragement also inspired him to explore complementary art forms. Following his father’s advice, Hemanta Kumar pursued a painting course at Rabindra Bharati University, recognising painting as an integral part of dance. He further expanded his artistic repertoire by completing a course in acting from the Assam Acting Institution, enhancing his creative expression across disciplines.

For Hemanta, his role models are stalwarts in Kathak: Birju Maharaj and Munna Shukla. Their teachings and artistry have deeply influenced his style and philosophy.

Reflecting on his journey, Hemanta admits learning valuable lessons from his mistakes. He acknowledges that being overly emotional at times was a challenge, but he believes that mistakes offer opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

Hemanta's guiding mantra in life is: Turning your passion into a career is a great way to earn a living while doing what you love. He emphasises the importance of transforming passion into a profession, a principle he advises young people to embrace. According to Hemanta, having a clear passion and aligning it with professional goals leads to a fulfilling and successful life.

Through his dedication to Kathak and his commitment to nurturing new talent, Hemanta Kumar continues to inspire many, proving that with passion, perseverance, and the right support, dreams can indeed come true.