Pooja Sugam
An artiste of unwavering devotion and dedication, Pooja Sugam is a multifaceted talent whose graceful presence and refined artistry reflect an impeccable sense of classical elegance. With a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree as her academic foundation, she has pursued her passion for the arts with depth and sincerity, excelling in both music and dance.
Rooted deeply in the classical tradition, Pooja’s journey in Bharatanatyam was shaped from an early age under the guidance of her mother, Dr. Kripa Phadke, a distinguished exponent of the art. Nurtured in an environment steeped in tradition, she absorbed the subtleties of the form, progressing steadily toward a profound mastery of expression and technique.
To further refine her craft, Pooja’s artistic journey was deeply shaped and elevated under the rigorous mentorship of Sri Vijayakumar S of Chennai. His guidance has been instrumental in refining her technique, expression, and stage presence., and continues to expand her repertoire through dedicated learning in Nattuvangam under the acclaimed percussionist Vidwan Nagai P. Sriram, also based in Chennai.
Pooja has devoted many years to the disciplined learning of Carnatic vocal music under Guru Smt. Bhagyalakshmi, while also acquiring foundational knowledge of Hindustani classical music under Pt. Veerabhadraiah Hiremath.
She has successfully secured distinction in the proficiency grade examinations in Bharatanatyam conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board, a recognition of her academic and practical excellence in the art.
Holding Master’s degrees in both Music and Dance from the University of Mysore and the Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal University of Music and Performing Arts, respectively, Pooja stands as a scholarly and disciplined artiste. Her dedication has been nationally recognized through the CCRT Scholarship for Young Artists, awarded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Pooja is also accredited with the Grade B certification from Doordarshan, an acknowledgment of her growing stature as a serious and committed performer in the field of Bharatanatyam.
She has graced numerous prestigious stages, including TAPAS Natyotsava, ILAMAYIL TIRAMAI Dance Festival at Krishna Gana Sabha, and NATYARANGAM at Narada Gana Sabha in Chennai, KHAJURAHO DANCE FESTIVAL 2024 at Khajuraho. Her performances have been well received at Rasa Sanje, VRC Festival, Yugala Nrityotsava, and Nrutya Bhanu in Bengaluru, as well as at Shilparamam in Hyderabad, Bhakti Bharatotsava in Tumkur, Smrithi Festival in Hassan, and Natyotsava in Sagara. She has also performed at events organized by Ganabharati, Natya Sabha, Nrutya Samarpana, Ekatwam, Vasundharotsava, and Manjira Mahotsava in Mysuru.
With a fine balance of tradition, training, and aesthetic sensibility, Pooja Sugam continues to be recognised by connoisseurs and critics alike as an artiste of sincerity, grace, and promise in the realm of Indian classical arts.