Arts India US has announced the 2026 cohort of Lotus Fellows, a premier initiative supporting Indian American artists in classical performing arts across the United States. Designed as a year-long program, it provides mentorship, professional development workshops, and performance opportunities aimed at increasing the visibility and impact of Indian classical arts within the US cultural landscape.
This year’s fellows were recognized for their exceptional creativity and commitment to connecting traditional art forms with contemporary audiences. The 2026 Lotus Fellows include Antara Bhattacharya (sitar), Ariaki Dandawate (Kathak), Harini Nilakantha (Bharatanatyam), Karthik Iyer (Carnatic violin), Karun Salvady (mridangam), Neha Venkatesh (Bharatanatyam), Shalini Basu (Odissi), Shruti De (sarod), Tarika Nath (Kathak), and Vedya Spurthi Konda (Kuchipudi), representing a wide spectrum of classical disciplines.
Sitarist Antara Bhattacharya, noted as one of India’s youngest musicians at just over two years old, now balances her performing career with a PhD in Ethnomusicology, merging scholarship with artistry. Kathak artist Ariaki Dandawate, a PhD student in Computational Biology, draws from the traditions of the Banaras, Lucknow, and Jaipur gharanas, integrating rhythm, storytelling, and scientific inquiry into her performances.
Chicago-based Bharatanatyam dancer Harini Nilakantan, trained since age four, combines classical rigor with hip-hop, waacking, and ballet, creating a versatile artistic expression. Carnatic violinist Karthik Iyer, a physics graduate, explores the science behind sound while pursuing classical excellence. Houston-based mridangist Karun Salvady has performed over 500 concerts globally and studies the intersection of music and neuroscience, including through a Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship.
Bharatanatyam dancer Neha Venkatesh blends narrative innovation with classical technique, supported by her YoungArts Award recognition. Odissi dancer Shalini Basu explores identity and cultural storytelling through her choreography informed by Dance Anthropology. Sarod artist Shruti De has established an international career, promoting cross-cultural collaboration, while Kathak artist Tarika Nath mentors young dancers and develops new works at Shivangini Academy of Arts. Kuchipudi dancer Vedya Spurthi Konda, an IBM UX designer and National YoungArts Winner, merges traditional performance with modern storytelling.
Together, the 2026 Lotus Fellows highlight a thriving Indian American artistic community committed to preserving, evolving, and promoting Indian classical arts across the United States.
