Karan Jodhani is a celebrated Kathak and folk dance artist, blending tradition, artistry, and
storytelling in every performance.
Originally from the City of Lakes, Bhopal, and now based in Mumbai, Karan’s career began as a
radio jockey and news correspondent before moving into senior roles in public relations and
marketing. Alongside his corporate journey, he nurtured his lifelong love for dance, a craft he
began exploring in early childhood.
Karan earned his Visharad in Kathak from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal
under the guidance of Dr. Manjari Deo. He identifies as a “dancer without labels” and is also
trained in, and knows the nuances of, contemporary and Bollywood dance styles. He has
trained in more than 18 Indian folk dance forms under his first gurus, Late Sarju Mohan and
Anjali Baijal (Nupur Dance Academy). He previously held certifications as a Zumba Instructor
and Pound Knockout Instructor.
Karan’s solo Kathak and semi-classical performances have enthralled audiences, creating an
atmosphere that is both powerful and immersive. Signature pieces like Shiva Tandava have
earned him widespread acclaim, while his innovative fusion of Kathak with modern
contemporary styles and folk dance reflects his artistic vision and willingness to explore the
unexplored. His performances have brought him numerous accolades and awards. With a
strong inclination toward choreography, Karan has designed and staged folk and semi-classical
pieces for various colleges, schools, and cultural events.
Karan is among the rare urban Mumbai dancers with deep, authentic knowledge of Indian folk
dances. He not only performs but also choreographs and promotes them through workshops,
lectures, and stage productions. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage, he often says,
“Folk dances are the real gems of our country.”
Over the years, he has conducted folk and semi-classical dance workshops at renowned
Mumbai studios and delivered lectures on the origin and significance of these traditions. His
expertise has made him a sought-after judge for prestigious national competitions, including
Mood Indigo (IIT Bombay) and Malhaar (St. Xavier’s College), as well as Jhankriti -India’s biggest
online folk dance competition by the World Forum for Art and Culture (WFAC).
Karan’s work has been featured in Bombay Times, Mumbai Mirror, Midday, Hindustan Times,
Navbharat Times, and other leading publications. He has also collaborated with Navbharat
Times for their customer outreach programm NBT Rangmanch and created folk dance
choreography videos for the Hindi women’s magazine Meri Saheli. Selected choreographies are
available on his YouTube channel.
In Indian tradition, dance and music are considered sacred paths to connect with the divine.
The mandir parampara (temple dance tradition) reflects this belief, where rhythm, movement,
and storytelling come together as an act of worship.
Before the 10th century, temple dance was at its peak, a golden era for natas, kathakaars, and
storytellers who were closely associated with temples. Through their performances, they
shared spiritual teachings and celebrated the presence of the divine.
Karan carries this legacy forward through his devotional performances. For several years, he has
performed at temples and religious ceremonies across India, including various Jain temples,
blending Kathak storytelling with Indian folk dances and devotional elements such as bhajans,
kirtans, and mantra pushpanjalis. His work in this tradition has been well-received in cities
including Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Ahmedabad, and Vapi.