Young Bharatanatyam Prodigy Janki Aniruddhakumar Dave Secures State-Level Honour
Young Classical Star Shines at State Level
Rising Through Rigorous Training
Bilkul Online | By Rafat Quadri
Ahmedabad | 9 Jan 2026
Ahmedabad-based 13-year-old Bharatanatyam dancer Janki Aniruddhakumar Dave secured second position in the Junior Category at the Gujarat State Kala Mahakumbh 2025 in Surat, impressing the jury with her technically refined and expressive Varnam performance under the guidance of guru Krinlaben Kothari.
Consistent Excellence on Prestigious Platforms
From topping taluka and district-level competitions to earning accolades at events such as Somnath Mahotsav and Samved Kala Mahotsav, Janki’s disciplined journey—including her Arangetram and ongoing Visharad-level studies—highlights her growing prominence in Indian classical dance.
13-Year-Old Ahmedabad Bharatanatyam Dancer Janki Aniruddhakumar Dave Secures Second Place at Gujarat State Kala Mahakumbh 2025
Ahmedabad: Thirteen-year-old Bharatanatyam dancer Janki Aniruddhakumar Dave, hailing from Ahmedabad, has brought laurels to the city by securing second position in the Junior Category at the Gujarat State Kala Mahakumbh 2025, held in Surat on January 2, 2026.
Trained under the guidance of renowned Bharatanatyam guru Krinlaben Kothari, Janki impressed the jury with her performance of the classical composition Varnam. Her presentation was lauded for its technical precision, expressive depth, and strict adherence to traditional Bharatanatyam aesthetics.
Janki’s journey to the state-level achievement reflects consistent excellence. She earlier secured first position at the Sanand Taluka level and Ahmedabad District level, followed by second position at the Zone Level competition in Bhachau, earning her a place in the state finals.
Beyond competitive platforms, Janki has delivered notable performances at prestigious cultural events. At the Somnath Mahotsav, she won second place in the solo category and first place in the group category. She also clinched first position at the Samved Kala Mahotsav in Vadodara, further establishing her growing stature in the classical dance arena.
A significant milestone in her artistic journey was the successful completion of her Arangetram in January last year. She is currently pursuing Visharad-level advanced studies in Bharatanatyam, continuing her disciplined and structured training.
Janki’s achievement has brought pride to her family, mentor, and the wider cultural community, standing as a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and deep passion for Indian classical dance.