Vizag-based Kuchipudi dancer bags ‘Global Legends -2026’ title 

Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam-based Kuchipudi dancer Suparna Dutta was awarded the ‘Global Legends -2026’ title by the Smiling Souls a recent talent hunt programme hosted in Mumbai. 

The talent hunt was exclusively organised for those aged 50 and above, featuring categories such as singing, dancing, crafts and acting. 

Suparna Dutta was selected among 25 finalists in the dancing category. Also, there was a live performance by all dancers virtually along with a stage performance at Ravindra Natya Mandir in Mumbai. 

The stage dance performances started with Suparna’s Kuchipudi dance performance titled ‘Marakatha Manimaya’. The presentation was followed by other participants’ contemporary dance performances. 

Suparna was announced as the winner of ‘Smiling Souls Global Legends-2026’ Last November, Suparna was selected among the top 10 finalists in the ‘Khyaal 50 above 50’ competition in the dance category. 

Suparna Dutta is from Vizag and learned Kuchipudi Dance from Kala Ratna Bala Kondala Rao. Currently, the Kuchipudi exponent runs a dance academy and teaches Kuchipudi dance to girls. 

Speaking on the occasion, Suparna Dutta mentioned that it was an honour to be recognised at the global competition and termed the platform a unique stage to showcase the Classical dance form to the rest of the world.