" The joy of dancing while maintaining the sacrosanct tradition of Kathak is what reaches her art to connoisseurs and masses alike. Ability to bring out the essence of the compositions - traditional in Sanskrit to the modern, rhythmically intricate, is the hallmark of her uniqueness - a 'Complete' Kathak dancer ”. (Dainik Bhaskar)

Internationally acclaimed as a creative artist whose work reveals the perpetually expanding horizons of the traditional form, Prerana Deshpande her presentations on the principle that Kathak is a medium of expression with which a dancer who lives the art can create an enchanting dance lyric.

Trained by the great maestro, Guru Dr. Rohini Bhate and Sharadini Gole, Prerana has extended the frontiers of her dance tradition to evolve her own distinctive style, which has been described as “uniquely complete…an effortless synchronisation of aesthetics, playful rhythm, uninhibited expression and haunting music". In her choreography, drawing on her knowledge of music and the rich, nuanced vocabulary of classical Indian dance, Prerana explores the complex layers of meaning in shlokas, poems and lyrics, giving them a physical interpretation. She has been lauded for creating awareness of Kathak as a dynamic, continuously evolving dance form and her work, always striving to be contemporary remains steadfast in the tradition which is the glory of Indian dance.

Prerana’s perception of rhythm has also been enriched by her minute obersvation and study of 'Laya' under renowned Guru Taalyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar. Her evolving body of work of choreographical and collaborative productions which includes music of varied genre highlights her keen awareness about music. Her presentation expresses the very sentiment of the Natya Shastra that Singing, Playing and Dancing together creates Music.

Prerana with her focus on solo recitals and continuing research on choreographies has added new dimension to their presentations in Kathak. Bringing out the abstract from the obvious with her dance is her forte. The vocabulary of Kathak stands enriched with her presentations on the music wizards of the West and East alike.

Recipient of numerous awards, Prerana has been felicitated by legendary Pt. Birju Maharaj – the synonym of Kathak with 'Gaurav Puruskar'. Prerana has also been honored with the title of Nrityashri and was conferred the title of 'Singar Mani'.

She founded ‘Nrityadham’ -an Institute for Performing Arts and has choreographed works for her students that range from epics like the Ramayana to the historical Japanese Haiku. Through master classes, workshops and seminars in India and abroad, Prerana brings out the tradition and the nuances of Kathak for the vibrancy of the art. Prerana teaches to students from India and abroad at Nrityadham while also shares her art as a Guru at Centre of Performing Arts at Pune University.

Prerana Deshpande’s performances at India’s prestigious cultural venues and landmark theatres and festivals around the world have received wide acclaim.