In an age where western dance forms are splashed across reality TV shows and silver screens, very few have taken up the mantle of carrying forward our culture and traditional dance forms. NilaNath, a 14-year-old child prodigy from Kozhikode, Kerala, is one such talent whose sole passion is classical dance. This weekend on BYJU’S Young Genius Season 2, master of dance Geeta Kapoor who is known for her impeccable eye for detail in various dance styles will grace the show with her presence.
Among many gratifying moments, what caught everyone’s attention is Nila and Geeta sharing common motivational factor and supporters in their lives – their respective mothers. The renowned choreographer will be seen sharing how her mother plays an important role in her dancing journey. Geeta will go on to share how just like Nila’s late mother who wanted Nila to be a dancer her mother too was the first one to recognize her talent.
Nila is trained in three dance forms - Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam will perform some moves in front of Geeta Kapoor. Nila who was elated to meet Geeta will also teach her some Mohiniyattam moves that they both love.
Talking about her appearance on the show Geeta Kapoor shares, “I’m thrilled to meet Nila on a platform like BYJU’S Young Genius. Her dedication towards the art is commendable. At such a young age, she is acing three different classical styles. I’m sure she will take the traditional dance forms to newer heights with her talent.”
Nila has received the Navaprathibha Puraskar from Tru Indian Information & Guidance Society (Mumbai) in 2020. She has also won Bala Ojasi Award at Ojas Dance Festival in Coimbatore (2018), Dance Genius Award from Classical Dance Association in Dubai (2019), Kalakeli Award at Bengaluru Nagatharakom Fest (2019), Kalabhadra Award at Kalingawan Dance Festival held in Odisha (2019), Kala Alankar Award in Dehradun (2019) and Kala Kamari Award in Malaysia (2019).
BYJU’S Young Genius is a News18 initiative that inspires young prodigies from different fields across the country. This new season features prodigies aged 6-15 years showcasing their superlative achievements, in a vibrant new avatar. These 22 geniuses have been chosen from 20,000+ aspiring and inspiring child prodigies across India from different fields such as performing arts, academics, technology, and sports, to name a few.
Tune into ‘BYJU’S Young Genius Season 2’ every Saturday/Sunday across News18 Network, History TV18 and Colors
