Member & Patrons list of Kala Kunj

Founder Directors

-----Founder Directors -----

Ms. Nalini - Founder Directors

Ms. Nalini is a senior exponent of Classical Dance form Kathak, is empanelled as an A - grade artist of Ministry of Information And Broadcasting (India) , a choreographer, a performing arts educator and is a well known Guru ( teacher) of Kathak dance.
Trained in both Odissi ( under Guru Harekrishna Behera and Legendary Guru kelucharan Mohapatra) and in Kathak ( under Pt. Sunder Prasad and Pt. Kundan lal gangani of Jaipur gharana of Kathak), as a soloist, Nalini has represented India, in many countries abroad, through the government of India. Apart from Performing at all the prestigious festivals in India , In 1972 and 1975 , she was bestowed with the title of 'Rakkasa -e-Hind', by king Zahir Shah, during her performance at Afghanistan, as a Cultural delegate of India.
Her journey in the field of dance has been for over 40 years and has devoted herself to the preservation and promotion of classical Arts in India. Through Kala Kunj, she has choreographed several stage and television productions like 'krishnamayee', ' Jyoti pushp', 'Tere ishq nachaya ' and many more. She has also worked with children with special needs and has established herself as a respectable Guru in the field of classical dance.

Late Guru Ravi Jain - FOUNDER DIRECTOR AND EX - SECRETARY

A Kathak exponent belonging to the Lucknow gharana of Kathak, was an empanelled A grade artist of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. An engineer by profession, he had the good fortune of training under Legendary Padmashree Shambhu maharaj of the Lucknow gharana and Vidushi Alaknanda Devi of the Benaras gharana of Kathak. Guru Ravi Jain was known for his deep knowledge and understanding of the techniques of dance, including Abhinaya ( Expressions). His choreographic works , stand out as being unique, both in terms of conceptualization and execution. One of his productions, a dance drama "Yugdrishta Sant Ravidas' / ' Tum Chandan hum pani ', based on the life and teachings of Sant Ravidas, is on sale for Public, by Doordarsharshan Archives ( Under Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

----- Executive Members -----

Ranjana Subberwal

A sociologist, an author and a potter by passion

Pt. Maheshwar Rao

State Sangeet Natak Academy Awarde (Odisha), A Classical vocalist of repute , belonging to the Gwalior gharana of Hindustani classical music and a reverred Guru.

Radhika Singh

An HR professional and a kathak dancer, empanelled with Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Richa Jain

A kathak dancer, empanelled with ICCR , Ministry of Culture and an A grade artist of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Rachna Yadav

A kathak dancer and Sub - Editor of “Hans Prakashan”.

Dr Rani Bhatia

A clinical psychiatrist by profession and an ardent art lover.

-----Patrons of Kala Kunj-----

Smt. Kamalini Nagarajan Dutt

A post-graduate in Hindi Literature, University of Delhi, She is well-versed in Bharatnatyam into which she was initiated at a tender age of 4, Kuchipudi and Kathak. She joined Doordarshan to discover the new vistas of creativity in the electronic art, and has undergone training courses in India and abroad in colour technology, on television. She has also produced over a thousand programmes in 23 years and gained appreciation from artists and media experts for her high artistic merit and aesthetic standards. She retired as the Director of the Central Production Centre of Delhi Doordarshan and is also accredited for restructuring the Archives branch of Doordarshan. At Doordarshan Archives too , her aim was to preserve the rich cultural heritage of India and pass it on to the future generation . This being the sole focus of her life , she has been associated with kala kunj for over two decades now and has tirelessly offered herself for this cause.

Late Sh. Kuber Dutt

A well-known poet, filmmaker, painter and former Chief Producer of Doordarshan, Kuber Dutt's contribution to Doordarshan and Hindi Literature is incomparable. A deep thinker and fiercely independent in his thoughts , he conceptualized productions that made history. One such production was 'Janvani' , which gave a voice to the common man. He has many books to his credit as well.
His association with Kala kunj, J. ext , as a Patron extended for over 2 decades and he was actively involved in all the stage productions and programmes that were organized by Kala kunj , over the years.

Dr. Ashok Chakradhar

Dr. Ashok Chakradhar is a well known name in the field of Hindi Literature. An Author , Script Writer, film maker , Poet and a Satirist par excellence, his contribution to the field of Hindi Literature has been commendable. An inspiration to many, Dr . Chakradhar’s knowledge is not only limited to Literature but he also has a deep understanding of Indian classical music and Dance. Dr. Chakradhar has been a patron of Kala Kunj, J. Ext , for many years now and Kala Kunj, J.Ext , thanks Dr. Ashok Chakradhar ,a dynamic personality and a wonderful human being for the support and guidance that he has always offered.

Shri Rajendra Yadav

A pioneer of the Hindi literary movement known as Nayi Kahani , and a Hindi fiction writer, Sh. Rajendra Yadav is one of the most respected names in the field of Hindi Literature. Besides being a writer, Sh. Rajendra Yadav was also a nominated board member of Prasar Bharti in 1999-2001. He has many famous novels to his credit. He is also the editor of the literary magazine HANS.
He has been associated with Kala kunj as a Patron since its inception and has helped the organization grow culturally , aesthetically and intellectually.