Akshara Devalla’s journey from Kuchipudi prodigy to national cultural ambassador

Akshara Devalla has emerged as a young achiever in Kuchipudi, yoga and cinema. From performing the complete 'Vande Mataram' across India to setting a world record with Bhama Kalapam, she continues to promote India's cultural heritage through her diverse talents.

Hyderabad: At a very young age, she truly is versatile. A Kuchipudi practitioner, child actor, certified advanced Yoga trainer, dance and cultural ambassador – among many other facets- that is Akshara Devalla.

Since learning the full version of Vande Mataram in school, Akshara wondered why only a shorter version was widely sung after Independence. She then launched a nationwide campaign, travelling to sites of historical and national importance to perform the full song. She danced for the full length of Vande Mataram barefoot in the freezing snows of Kargil, and her journey also spanned Pahalgam, Pulwama, India Gate, and the sacred Ganga Ghats.

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Akshara set a world record as the youngest artist to perform a full-length, 2-hour and 30-minute Bhama Kalapam ballet at the age of 14. Unlike the shorter 60-minute versions, she flawlessly showcased all 11 daruvus of the traditional ballet.

This feat has been officially entered into five major record books: the International Wonder Book of International Records, Indian Book of Records, Golden Star World Book of Records, Genius Book of World Records, and the Telugu Book of Records.

Akshara has taken the elegance of Kuchipudi to national and international audiences, including at 24th TANA Conference in Novi, Michigan, the world-famous Thaipusam Festival held at Batu Caves, Ram Janmabhoomi during Dussehra festivities, and was specially invited to perform at Ganga Arti at Manikarnika Ghat.

Yoga has been an integral part of Akshara’s life since she was five years old, and what began as a personal daily practice blossomed into a platform to inspire healthy living nationwide. Today, she is a recognised television yoga presenter, hosting daily segments on Zee Telugu every morning at 8.30 am.

As a child actor, Akshara also acted in 12 movies, securing roles in projects like ‘RajaSaab’, ‘Thammudu’, and ‘Aakasam lo Oka Tara’ apart from advertisements and web series.

Akshara’s journey is nurtured by her Guru and mother, Dr Bhavana Pedaprolu, an acclaimed Kuchipudi exponent, Doordarshan A-Grade artist, and founder of World Kuchipudi Day.