Nagpur: Renowned Kathak dancer and theatre artist Astha Godbole Karlekar assumed charge as director of the South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur, on Tuesday. SCZCC, one of the seven regional cultural centres under the Ministry of Culture, Govt of India, represents six states and plays a vital role in promoting regional art and culture. The centre did not have a full-time director for the last two years.
TOI's report on November 10, 2024, highlighted the urgent need for a full-time director at SCZCC. The report brought attention to the centre's challenges, including a decline in cultural events and operational shortcomings due to vacant leadership posts.
As Astha Godbole Karlekar took charge on Tuesday, assistant director Deepak Kulkarni welcomed her. Addressing the officials and staff of SCZCC, Karlekar emphasised her commitment to fostering cultural growth and supporting artists across the region.
A celebrated exponent of Kathak, Karlekar received her early training under her mother, Savita Godbole, a renowned dancer of the Lucknow gharana. She holds a Diploma in Theatre Arts from the School of Drama, Kala Academy, Goa; an MA in Sanskrit literature from Devi Ahilya University; and an MA in Kathak from Raja Mansingh Tomar University, Gwalior.
Karlekar's accolades include a 10-year junior scholarship from the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) and senior scholarships in Theatre Arts and Kathak from the Ministry of Culture, Govt of India. She was also awarded a two-year Junior Fellowship for Kathak by the ministry.
In addition to her proficiency in Hindi, Marathi, Konkani, Malvi, and Sanskrit, Karlekar is well-versed in English, French, and Russian. Her professional experience includes serving at the Indian Cultural Centre in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, under the Indian Embassy and as the director of Layashala Lalit Kala Foundation.
Karlekar is an empanelled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and a graded artist with Doordarshan. She has showcased her talent at various national and international workshops and festivals, delivering remarkable performances and training aspiring artists. Her expertise also extends to directing several plays and dance dramas.
The appointment of Karlekar is expected to bring a fresh perspective and dynamic leadership to SCZCC, fostering a new era of cultural enrichment in the region.