Shubhada Varadkar Honored with Sangeet Natak Akademi Award

Odissi exponent Shubhada Varadkar was conferred the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2025 at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on August 13, 2026. The award, which is among India’s highest honours for performing artists, was presented by President Droupadi Murmu. Varadkar received a purse of Rs 1,00,000, a Tamrapatra (bronze plaque), and an Angavastram (ceremonial shawl), in keeping with the Akademi Puraskar’s established tradition.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi, established in 1953 as India’s national academy of music, dance, and drama, functions under the Ministry of Culture. Through its awards, fellowships, and recognition programs, it seeks to honour excellence across the performing arts. The Akademi Puraskar specifically recognizes distinguished contributions in fields such as music, dance, theatre, traditional and folk arts, and puppetry. The annual award ceremony, often held in Delhi, is typically presided over by the President of India.

Odissi, the classical dance form for which Varadkar is celebrated, is one of eight such traditions recognized by the Akademi. Originating in Odisha, Odissi is noted for its tribhanga posture, fluid torso movements, and sculptural hand gestures. The dance form draws on temple traditions and devotional performances, with deep roots in the Mahari and Gotipua traditions of Odisha. Among its best-known modern exponents is the late Kelucharan Mohapatra, whose influence spread Odissi’s popularity nationwide.

Shubhada Varadkar, based in Mumbai, is not only a celebrated Odissi dancer but also a former economics professor at Ruia College. Her journey in Odissi began after attending a workshop led by Kelucharan Mohapatra, which inspired her to pursue the art form professionally. Varadkar is also known for her personal resilience as a cancer survivor. She has authored an autobiographical Marathi work titled "Mayurpankh" as well as "The Celestial Plume" in English. Her family has historical significance, with freedom fighters Manohar and Manik Varadkar, participants in the Quit India Movement, among her relatives.

The 2025 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award conferred on Varadkar marks a significant recognition of her contribution to Odissi and the wider cultural landscape. The award’s package of a cash prize, bronze plaque, and ceremonial shawl continues as a hallmark of several Indian cultural honours. With this accolade, Varadkar joins a distinguished list of artists recognized for advancing India’s rich traditions in the performing arts.