Six outstanding figures in the realm of performing arts have been chosen as Akademi Fellows by the esteemed General Council of Sangeet Natak Akademi, the premier national academy dedicated to music, dance, and drama. This prestigious title, known as Akademi Ratna, is a rare honor limited to just 40 individuals at any given time, signifying exceptional contributions to the field.

Among the distinguished personalities bestowed with this honor are Vinayak Khedekar, R. Visweswaran, Sunayana Hazarilal, the renowned Kuchipudi dancers Raja and Radha Reddy, as well as Dulal Roy and D.P. Sinha, each celebrated for their remarkable contributions to the performing arts landscape.

Additionally, the General Council has also recognized the achievements of 92 artists across various disciplines, including music, dance, theatre, traditional and folk arts, puppetry, and scholarly endeavors, by awarding them the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the years 2022 and 2023.

These honorees, selected from diverse regions of the country, represent the rich tapestry of Indian culture, showcasing a wide spectrum of artistic expressions encompassing music, dance, drama, folk traditions, puppetry, and allied forms of theatre arts.

Moreover, the General Council has identified and honored 80 young talents with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for the years 2022 and 2023. This award not only recognizes promising young artists but also provides them with a monetary prize of Rs 25,000, along with Tamrapatra and Angavastram, encouraging their continued pursuit of excellence.

Since its inception in 1952, the Akademi Awards have served as a beacon of excellence, acknowledging individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in their respective fields. The Akademi Fellowships, accompanied by a purse of Rs 3 lakhs, and the Akademi Awards, supplemented with a purse of Rs 1 lakh, along with Tamrapatra and Angavastram, symbolize the pinnacle of achievement and sustained contributions to the performing arts.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards will be presented to the fellows by the Hon’ble President of India in a special investiture ceremony, recognizing and celebrating the immense talent and dedication of these exemplary individuals.