In August 2024 , Ms. Sriya Chatterjee realized her long-cherished dream by founding the KATHAK “Dance & Beyond Academy” at Bandlaguda, Suncity, Hyderabad, India. This academy is dedicated to the art of Kathak dance from the Lucknow Gharana, along with semi-classical, Indian folk, and Rabindrik dances. The academy honors the style innovated by the legendary Kathak dancer, Lt. Pt. Birju Maharaj—a vision that Ms. Chatterjee has nurtured over more than 30 years.
Ms. Chatterjee’s journey with Kathak began at the age of six. With a robust educational background and a profound passion for dance, she pursued a Master’s Degree in Dance from Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, and an M.Mus. in Dance from Prachin Kala Kendra, Chandigarh.
Over two decades, she trained under renowned Kathak masters including Lt. Pt. Birju Maharaj, Guru Saswati Sen, Pt. Vijay Shankar, Guru Ramaprasad Chattopadhyay, Smt. Amita Dutta, and particularly Smt. Paramita Mitra. Her training covered a wide range of skills including theory, technique, tala, laya, make-ups, customs, solo and group practice, performance with instruments, and stage performances at various festivals and occasions.

In 2007, Ms. Chatterjee began her professional career as a Dance Teacher at Anubhuti School in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. She moved to Sreenidhi International School, Hyderabad in 2009, and after a brief relocation to a school in Hisar, Haryana in 2010, she returned to Sreenidhi International School in 2011 as the HOD and Dance Teacher in Performing Arts, where she served for eight years. From 2019 until May 2024 , she taught Dance and HRT at Indus International School, Hyderabad.
Driven by her passion and commitment, Ms. Chatterjee has now resigned from her service to establish the KATHAK Dance & Beyond Academy. Her goal is to share her extensive knowledge and ensure that traditional Kathak dance flourishes through her students, providing them with a thorough and high-quality education in both theatrical and practical aspects of this esteemed art form.