Dr. Pt. Nandkishore Kapote is a leading senior exponent of Kathak, an Indian classical dance form. He is a senior disciple of Pandit Birju Maharaj. He is the Artistic Director of Nandkishore Cultural Society. During the mid-70's Kapote learned the nuances of Kathak in Pune under Guru Pt. Munna Shukla, nephew of Kathak Maestro Pt. Birju Maharaj. Soon after in 1977–78, Kapote was awarded the National Scholarship from the Cultural Department, Government of India for learning Kathak dance under doyen of Kathak, Pt. Birju Maharaj. He is the first male Kathak performer from all over Maharashtra to receive such a scholarship. He is a recognized Ph.D. guide, mentor and Senior Guru in Kathak dance for Tilak Maharashtra University and Lalit Kala Kendra, University of Pune. He is an empaneled artist with Indian Council for Cultural Relations. In the book Kathak – Indian Classical Dance Art, the author Dr. Sunil Kothari has written – From the younger generation several other dancers deserve mention – they include Nandkishore Kapote.
Institutions & Establishments
For the propagation and education of Kathak classical dance form, Dr. Kapote has instated various establishments, societies and institutions as follows): They also conduct Kathak programmes to provide a platform for students.
Nandkishore Cultural Society at Pune in 1986.
Nandkishore Cultural Society at Nigdi in 1998.
Pt. Birju Maharaj Dance & Music Research Centre & Library in 2006.
Vimal Bhaskar Award set up by Nandkishore Cultural Society in the memory of Shrimati Vimal Kapote and Shri Bhaskar Kapote. In 2012, the second Vimal Bhaskar Award was given to Kathak Samrat Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj and Kathak exponent Pandita Saswati Sen at a function at Nandkishore Academy in Nigdi.
Advisory Board Member Dr. Kapote also serves as Honorary Advisor at the following institutions:
Limca Book of Records – listed in Limca Book of Records for teaching oldest student aged 76 years.
Pune Navratri Mahotsav Awards
Salaam Pune Award 2015
Books and DVD
Book
Kathak Samrat – Birju Maharaj
The book is recommended by Pune University and Tilak Maharashtra University. The book highlights the multifarious personality of Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj. The book was inaugurated in 2006 by Pt. Birju Maharaj himself at a celebratory function at Nigdi.
"Shiv Ram Shyam", Kathak style choreography has been arranged by Dr. Kapote in this DVD. This DVD has been released by Fountain Music Company. Ref number FMV 298. Additionally, Dr. Kapote has presented a Kathak style performance on Shiva bhajan in this VCD.
Syllabus
Dr. Kapote has prepared a Kathak classical dance examination syllabus for Kathak certification and diploma levels. This syllabus has received recognition by Maharashtra State Government for Kathak Classical Dance examinations. Proficient students who get certified by Nandkishore Cultural Society can avail of extra marks for their HSc throughout Maharashtra. Students can earn up to 15 marks extra upon completion of 5 Kathak levels and up to 10 marks extra upon completion of 3 Kathak levels.
Choreographies & Dance Drama
Choreographies & Dance Dramas as follows:
'Mahamanav' based on the life of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and was telecast by Mumbai Doordarshan as it created a great impact by spreading the message of Dr. Ambedkar. The cast included 70 performing artists from the age group of 4 – 80 years.
'Mrutyunjay Mahaveer' based on Jain dharma and life of Lord Mahaveer.
'Mahakaleshwar Shiva' based on navarasa
'Narvar Krishna Saman' based on Bal Gandharva's Marathi language play ‘Natya Sangeet’.
Films
Dr. Pt. Nandkishore Kapote has choreographed dance sequences for a number of films.
He Geet Jeevanache, famous Marathi language film directed by Shri Ram Gabale with music direction by Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar.
Vardhaman Mahaveer, under banner of Bharat Sudhar Films: Proprietor- Dr Prakash B Katariya, Director- Rajesh Chandrakant Limkar, Music Director- Dr. Ashok Patki
Kapote was felicitated with the Chitrakarmi Award 2017 for contribution to Marathi Film Industry.
Performances
Dr. Kapote's dance career covers a number of National and International performances. A few of his performances are mentioned below:
National Programme of Dance: A Grade artist of Delhi Doordarshan and has performed on national television's 'National Programme of Dance' multiple times.
Ballet Productions produced by Pt. Birju Maharaj. Performed in numerous ballets such as: Katha Raghunathki, Hori Dhoom Machai, Roopmati-Baz Bahadur, Habba Khatun & Krishnayan.
Tributes for Mata Amritanandamayi Numerous performances in honour of Amma's arrival to Pune
ICCR has catalogued his performances. This performance on the repository, was recorded in 1991–92 at the Bal Gandharva Ranga Mandir, Pune. The 52 minute program includes ‘Vishnu Vandana’, ‘Draupadi Vastra Haran’, ‘Bhajan’ and a Tarana. Accompanying Tabla player is Padma Shri recipient Vijay Ghate.
International Performances
Internationally acclaimed dance performer, Kapote, has presented Kathak performances in the following countries:
Dr. Kapote through his organization ‘Nandkishore Cultural Society’ along with his organization that promotes the cause of artists- ‘Akhil Bharatiya Shastriya Nritya Parishad’, celebrates Dance Day every year, thereby promoting dance artists in Pune. Dance Day established in 1982 is on 29 April each year and is promoted by the International Dance Council. The International Dance Council is the official organization for all forms of dance in all countries of the world. CID was founded in 1973 within the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where it is based. 2019 poster information for dance day is on the CID website.
Dance Tribute for Shri Satya Saibaba.
Dr. Kapote said he has never missed performing a bhajan on Thursday as a prayer to Baba and would continue to do so.
