Youth Voices - Pakhi Gupta Interview
Pakhi Gupta began studying Kathak in 2014 at Pandit Chitresh Das’ original institution, Chhandam, and continued at the Chitresh Das Institute and was a student at its first session in 2017. She then joined the Youth Company in 2018. Pakhi will be performing in “Aarambh”, showcasing the elements of the most traditional, rich, and challenging form of kathak, the kathak solo. She will share the stage with her guru-behen Neema Sakariya on July 26, 2025 at 5pm at College of San Mateo Theater.
Training for this performance is intense. Though it requires nowhere near the challenge and skill needed for a full kathak solo in the style/gharana of Pandit Chitresh Das, it is always a formidable challenge. Guided by the guru, it is a journey even to just dip one’s feet (quite literally) into this powerful tradition. The dancers are also fortunate to perform with brilliant musicians: Ben Kunin - on sarod, Nilan Chaudhuri - on tabla, Saneyee Purandare Bhattacharjee - on vocals, Narendra Joshi - on harmonium, Guru Charlotte Moraga - Artistic Director and padhant. Limited tickets are available, please contact info@chitreshdasinstitute.org with any requests.
Q: What do you want people to know about your kathak journey?
Pakhi: I began my Kathak journey at the age of seven when my mother first enrolled me in classes. What started as an introductory dance class blossomed into a deep appreciation of the art form with each subsequent class. As I continued learning and growing as a dancer, I discovered a joy in performing–in sharing my love for the dance with the audience.
My journey with Kathak has been shaped by a passion and love for dance although not without its share of challenges. What makes the journey special is the loving, supportive, and inspiring CDI faculty and community. I am indebted to Preeti didi, Anita didi, Anshu didi, Asavari didi, and Charlotte didi, my senior didis, and to my kathak mates, turning my experience into more than just about the dance. It has become a cherished part of who I am.
Q: What is it like working with Charlotte Didi to prepare for your graduating showcase?
Pakhi: Working with Charlotte Didi for my graduating showcase has been an incredible journey of growth as a dancer. Her one-on-one guidance has challenged me to not only grow as a dancer but also as a choreographer. Every class I would go to with Charlotte didi, I would learn something new, whether it was refining my technique, adding flourishes to balance sharp movements, or working on expressions. Charlotte Didi is truly an exceptionally talented artist and Guru whose dedication to Kathak and her students is both inspiring and contagious. Her passion motivated me to push my boundaries and strive to become the best version of myself. I feel incredibly fortunate and deeply grateful to be her student. If there is one thing I will always remember from our classes, it would be to always “practice, practice, practice!”
Q: Do you remember a moment or a time when you decided you wanted to pour your heart into learning kathak?
Pakhi: One summer, we were given the challenge of choreographing our first Kathak Yoga piece. That meant singing, dancing, and playing the harmonium all at once, requiring tremendous mind-body coordination in combining three disciplines I had been learning individually. It was daunting, no doubt, but it was also an opportunity to push myself and create something that I would be proud of. At the time, I was in India and borrowed my Nani's harmonium, and practiced every day for hours, over and over again, until I could finally get that footwork and nagma aligned. I still remember the thrill of the first time everything came together! What made the experience even more exciting for me personally was discovering the mathematics in the Kathak compositions. This summer assignment drew me deeper into Kathak, and I continue to discover something with each new step I take that expands my experience with the art form.
Q: How has what you've done and learned in kathak impacted your day-to-day life?
Pakhi: Kathak has been a confidence booster for me–not just in dance, but also in myself. I started out as a shy dancer, and there were definitely times when I doubted my abilities. But, I kept showing up, and kept working on feedback again and again. Over time, Kathak has taught me how to express myself and given me confidence in my ability to learn and grow as a person. It’s funny to look back now, because I did not notice this increase in confidence until it showed up in other parts of my life. That growth mindset has been empowering and it's something I carry into other areas of my life.
Q: What is something that you have discovered through dance that you would like to share?
Pakhi: Being part of the Youth Company has given me the opportunity to perform in so many performances, but one in particular has stayed with me. Charlotte Didi choreographed a piece based on the story of Kaliya Daman, and instead of using traditional jewelry and props, we used plastic jewelry and bags to symbolize pollution. The striking tornado-like visual as we did chakkars with the bags in our hands made an impact on the audience. An ancient myth was transformed into a message about a real, current issue. That experience shifted the way I looked at Kathak. I realized that it's not just an ancient dance form rooted in tradition, but a dynamic and evolving art that can be powerful and relevant to the present times. Dance has the ability to tell stories, evoke emotion, and spark thoughts, and I feel blessed to be a part of that.
Q: What is one thing about learning kathak that you think people should know?
Pakhi: Kathak requires discipline. As a classical art form, it requires immense dedication and effort, whether one is working on foundational basics or the most complex compositions. It is also not just about learning the choreography; it is a rigorous practice rooted in principles. One of the principles is reyaz mehnat ke saath, or dedicated practice, and only through having that self-discipline to work on your craft are you then able to bring in the leykari (rhythm), khubsurati (beauty), and nazakat (grace) that define Kathak. There is also space for upaj (creativity), to explore and experiment with the structure, taal, and footwork. This year, especially during the preparation for my solo, I’ve been able to lean into that curiosity and creativity.
Q: What is next for you, what are you most excited about doing?
Pakhi: I feel truly blessed to be reaching this cherished milestone in my Kathak journey of performing solo in my graduating performance, a culmination of 11 years of training. Even after the graduating performance, I am motivated to continue to dance and keep growing as a dancer. In the fall, I will be attending UC Berkeley for bioengineering on the pre-med track.
Q: If you were to send a message of advice to your 10 year old self, what would you tell her?
I would tell my 10-year-old self to never be afraid to be a beginner. Everyone starts somewhere. Struggling with imposter syndrome does not mean you do not belong; it simply means you care to be better. It is important to focus on the journey and not just the result. Be curious, be brave, and give your best. Hard work pays off, and every small step taken matters.
“Aarambh” featuring Pakhi Gupta and Neema Sakariya in their Youth Company Graduating Showcase,
July 26, 2025 at 5pm at College of San Mateo Theater
Brilliant Musicians: Ben Kunin - on sarod, Nilan Chaudhuri - on tabla, Saneyee Purandare Bhattacharjee - on vocals, Narendra Joshi - on harmonium, Guru Charlotte Moraga - Artistic Director and padhant.
Limiited tickets available, please contact info@chitreshdasinstitute.org with any requests.