Pulikeshi Kasthuri

As A dancer

Pulikeshi had his initial training under Smt.Lalitha Srinivsan, later from Smt Narmada and rigorous training in all aspects of dance from his brother Prasanna Kasthuri. A recipient of the govt. of India scholarship, he has also been trained under Smt Ranjani Ganesan, an alumni of Kalakshetra. He holds a Masters degree in dance from the Bangalore University. He has undergone training in martial arts of Manipur from Sri Sonar Chand and Sri Khilton Nongmaiten, Kalaripayattu from Sri Anil Kumar, Kerala, Abhinaya from T K Mahalingam Pillai and Kathak from Smt.Maya Rao.

As a Nattuvangist

Gifted with a magical voice, Pulikeshi with his stronghold on Laya (Rhythm) and his perfect pronunciation has been acclaimed as the best Nattuvangist of Bangalore and has been invited by all popular dancers of South India to accompany them on dance performances. Pulikeshi has undergone training in nattuvangam from his brother Prasanna Kasthuri and later learnt the intricacies from B R Sheshadri (Kanna), a well known mrudangist. Some of the artists with whom he has worked are Vani Ganapathy, Pratibha Prahlad, Shridhars, Vyjayanthi Kashi, Indira Kadambi, Ranjani Ganesan, Vivek Kinra (New Zealand), Malani KrishnaMurthy (California, USA), Lakshmi GopalaSwamy, Poornima Ashok and many more. His workshops in nattuvangam have been popular and the number of students attending his workshop is growing every season. He has conducted 5 workshops in Bangalore, San Antonio and St.Louis. Pulikeshi has conducted nattuvangam to arangetrams in Nashik & Bangalore, which is a unique and honourable invitation from teachers to conduct nattuvangam for their disciples.

As a Choreographer

Pulikeshi holds a choreography degree from the Natya Institute of Kathak and choreography, Bangalore University under the tutelage of Guru Maya Rao. He has choreographed ballets like Bakasura Vadha, Kirataarjuniya, Raghava Vyayoga, Matadaana, and Usha Parinaya and has assisted his brother in choreographic works like Subhadra Parinaya, Maheswari Vamshothpathi, Bali Moksha and Ashta Nayakaru.

International tours

As a member of "Tribhang" he visited England, France and Switzerland. Along with Maya Rao he visited the Middle East. As a Nattuvangist he has traveled Djibouti, Ethiopia, Russia, Europe and USA.

Dance festivals

He has participated in dance festivals like the Soorya dance festival, Soorya festival, Nitya Nruthya, National Jamboree 93, Natyotsava-96, EFCEP 98, Swarna Bharathi 98, Kanagal Festival, Golden Celebrations of Keshava Nruthya Shala Bangalore, Mysore Dasara celebrations, Sangeeth Nataka Academy festival in Bangalore 2002, Eka Aneka, etc.

As a dance teacher

Pulikeshi teaches dance at Kenshri International School and at Shanthala Arts academy, Bangalore. He also conducts classes in nattuvangam to deserving students.

Awards and Felicitations

Pulikeshi has been awarded by Aryabhata award as the best Nattuvanar of decade. 

Latest Press Reviews

Pulikeshi Performs