Renowned Gurus Dr. Raja Reddy, Dr. Radha Reddy and Smt. Kaushalya Reddy’s Disciple Ilesha Singh Presents Her First Kuchipudi Rangapravesham

Discipline, Consistent Hard Work and Deep Commitment to Indian Classical Tradition Define Ilesha Singh’s Success: Jayant Chaudhary

New Delhi, August 2026: Marking an important milestone in her artistic journey, 15-year-old Ilesha Singh presented her first Kuchipudi Rangapravesham at the prestigious Kamani Auditorium in New Delhi. The performance reflected years of rigorous training, discipline and dedication and was warmly appreciated by the audience, distinguished members of the classical dance fraternity and eminent guests.

The evening-long recital opened with Venkatesha Stotram, an auspicious invocation expressing devotion, surrender and praise for Lord Venkateshwara. It was followed by Dashavataram, in which the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu were brought alive through expressive abhinaya and distinctive dance movements.

The performance then moved to Saanson Ki Mala, an emotive presentation that conveyed devotion, separation and profound love through expressive storytelling. The evening concluded with Shiva Tarangini, in which Ilesha portrayed the glory of Lord Shiva with strength and grace. She also demonstrated the intricate rhythmic footwork characteristic of Kuchipudi while dancing on the edge of a brass plate, showcasing her technical command of the classical form.

Extending his best wishes to Ilesha, Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, said witnessing her Rangapravesham was an immensely emotional and proud moment for the family.

“Watching Ilesha perform her Kuchipudi Rangapravesham on stage was an extremely emotional and proud moment for our entire family. Her journey, which began at the age of four and a half, has been filled with discipline, consistent hard work and a deep love for this beautiful classical tradition,” Chaudhary said.

He expressed gratitude to her gurus, Dr. Raja Reddy, Dr. Radha Reddy and Smt. Kaushalya Reddy, for their invaluable guidance and said he was extremely proud of Ilesha for reaching this important milestone with dignity, confidence and dedication.

A disciple of Padma Bhushan awardees Dr. Raja Reddy and Dr. Radha Reddy, as well as Smt. Kaushalya Reddy, Ilesha began her Kuchipudi training at the age of four and a half. Her Rangapravesham marks her formal debut as a solo Kuchipudi dancer and reflects her deep artistic discipline and commitment to the classical dance tradition.

She is also among the youngest disciples of her revered gurus to achieve this significant milestone.

The successful debut was described as a testament to Ilesha’s years of dedicated practice, the invaluable guidance of her gurus and the unwavering support of her family. It also serves as an inspiration for young artists to embrace India’s rich classical traditions with dedication and passion.

The occasion was attended by several Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, former MPs, leading representatives of the industry, designers, members of erstwhile royal families and other distinguished personalities.

Among the prominent guests were Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers and Lok Sabha MP from Mirzapur; Anurag Singh Thakur, Lok Sabha MP from Hamirpur and former Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports; R.P.N. Singh, Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh and former Union Minister of State; Rajeev Shukla, Rajya Sabha MP from Chhattisgarh, Honorary Vice-President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and former Union Minister of State; and Surendra Singh Nagar, Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh.