About
Prerana Deshpande is a recognised Indian exponent of Kathak, based in Pune. A long-time disciple of the legendary Rohini Bhate, she is known for graceful movement, expressive abhinaya and a mastery over laya, or rhythm, informed by her formal training in mathematics.
Prerana Deshpande began learning Kathak at seven under Sharadini Gole and later trained for over two decades in the guru-shishya tradition under Rohini Bhate. She completed a master's in Kathak, standing first at Pune University's Lalit Kala Kendra, alongside a bachelor's in mathematics, and established Nrityadham, her Kathak institute, receiving honours including the Devadasi National Award.
The artistry
Deshpande dances in the combined Lucknow and Jaipur gharana traditions absorbed over twenty-two years under Rohini Bhate, distinguished by refined abhinaya and precise, mathematically informed rhythmic play. A choreographer and teacher, she brings intellectual rigour and lyrical grace to her Kathak.
[Atlas Perspective] Prerana Deshpande is a distinguished Kathak exponent and guru in the Rohini Bhate lineage. For festivals and heritage programmes, she is a strong choice.
Prerana Deshpande carries forward the Kathak legacy of Rohini Bhate and the Maharashtra Kathak tradition, uniting graceful abhinaya with rhythmic and intellectual rigour and training new dancers through her institute.