For actor-dancer Prachee Shah Paandya , Kathak entered her life unexpectedly, but over the years, the classical art form became inseparable from who she is. As International Dance Day this year celebrates creativity, emotional expression, and the power of dance in preserving cultural identity and human connection, Prachee says her journey feels deeply aligned with that spirit. Known for her work in television shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and films such as Mulk and Do Patti, Prachee has spent decades immersed in the discipline, performing in over 300 shows across the world. A Guinness World Record holder for completing 93 spins in a minute and appointed as a Kathak ambassador by the Indian government in 2015, she says the form has shaped not only her craft as an actor through the art of expression, but also her spiritual and emotional world. Speaking on the occasion of International Dance Day, she reflected on her relationship with the art form, how Kathak shaped her as an actor through the art of expression and became a deeply spiritual, grounding force in her life.
For Prachee, Kathak is no longer just performance now it is a deeply personal and spiritual experience. “Dance, for me, is not just an art form, it is a way of life. It is my first love, my meditation, and my deepest form of expression. Kathak has taught me discipline, patience, and humility. More importantly, it has given me a profound spiritual connection, because when you truly surrender to the rhythm and the taal, you are no longer just performing but also experiencing something divine. It’s become a lifelong conversation between my soul and the universe.”
When asked if Kathak, despite surviving centuries, is still misunderstood in today’s fast-paced world, Prachee says, “Sometimes Kathak is perceived as ‘slow’ or ‘too traditional,’ especially in a world that is used to instant gratification. People often fail to recognise the complexity and emotional richness hidden within the form. What people often miss is the depth, intricate footwork, mathematical precision, and emotional layering. Kathak is incredibly dynamic,it is one of the rare dance forms that carries both power and grace. And it will never be outdated, it is meant to stay timeless always,” she says.

Speaking about the ongoing debate around modernising classical art forms, Prachee says evolution is important, but it should never come at the cost of authenticity. “Perhaps what’s needed is not to change Kathak, but to change the way we present and communicate it to newer audiences,” she says.
“I believe evolution is natural, but it must come from a place of understanding, not convenience. You can innovate, you can experiment, but only when your foundation is strong. Classical art forms like Kathak have survived for centuries because of their structure and integrity. If we dilute that in the name of modernisation, we risk losing the very essence that makes it special. It’s about respecting tradition while gently expanding its boundaries without compromising its soul,” she says.
Reflecting on her journey, Prachee says some of her most cherished memories as a dance artist come from both the stage and the hours spent learning with her guru. “From my very first performance at the age of five to standing ovations across the world, the exchange of energy with the audience has always felt magical. But what I treasure most is the time spent with my guru, the endless hours of riyaaz, corrections, repetitions, and learning. Those moments shape not just the dancer, but the person you become,” she says. Among the milestones closest to her heart, she recalls setting a Guinness World Record for performing 93 Kathak spins in a minute. “It was physically demanding, but deeply fulfilling,” says Prachee.
Having balanced both acting and classical dance through her career, Prachee says her training in Kathak has deeply shaped her craft as an actor. “Classical dance, especially Kathak, trains you deeply in abhinaya, which is the art of expression. It teaches you how to communicate emotion through the subtlest nuances like your eyes, posture, and even breath. It also instils discipline and an awareness of body language, which are invaluable for an actor,” she says.
The actress further credits Kathak for shaping her journey as an actor.“My journey as a dancer has profoundly enriched my work as an actor. It allows me to approach a character not just intellectually, but physically and emotionally as well, bringing a certain depth and authenticity to the performance,” says Prachee.
‘A spontaneous decision shaped my identity’
Looking back, she says her introduction to Kathak happened almost by chance. “My journey with Kathak began when I was about five years old, almost before I could understand what commitment truly meant. It wasn’t a conscious choice at first but it was something my father introduced me to. One day, while he was out for a walk, he noticed a board for a Kathak training centre and decided to enrol me right then. Little did I know that this spontaneous decision would go on to shape my identity for life,” says Prachee. What fascinated her most as a child was the emotional depth the dance form carried. “I was deeply fascinated by how a simple gesture or even a fleeting glance could communicate an entire story. That magic of expression drew me in, and over time, that fascination quietly transformed into a lifelong devotion,” she says.
-Amina Ashraf