Nivrritii Mahesh

Nivrritii (Nivi) Mahesh is a rising young Bharatanatyam dancer, student, and advocate for accessibility in the performing arts. A high school senior from Connecticut, she has trained in Bharatanatyam since the age of six under the guidance of her mother and guru, Aishwarya Chakravarthy, Artistic Director of Natyakshetram School of Dance. Nivi has performed extensively in the United States and India, appearing in prestigious productions and venues while balancing a strong academic record with a deep commitment to the arts. She is a recipient of the India Arts Foundation Research Grant and a member of the International Dance Council (CID–UNESCO)

A bilateral cochlear implant recipient and world record holder, Nivi is recognized for pioneering the use of assistive technology in Indian classical dance. In 2026, she became the first bilateral cochlear implant recipient to perform a full Bharatanatyam Margam with a live orchestra, demonstrating how tradition and innovation can work together to make the arts more inclusive. Through performances, research, and community outreach initiatives, she seeks to expand access to Indian classical arts for audiences and artists of diverse abilities and backgrounds. Her journey continues to inspire others by showing that excellence in the arts is defined by dedication, creativity, and a willingness to reimagine what is possible.

Workshop Description
Hearing & Listening – Sravanum Sruthiyum is an innovative performance and research initiative that explores how Indian classical music and dance can be made more accessible, immersive, and inclusive through the thoughtful integration of technology, artistry, and storytelling. The project reimagines the traditional concert experience through multi-sensory elements that engage audiences across different abilities, backgrounds, and learning styles. The initiative is led by world record holders Nivrritii Mahesh and Rishabh Kaushik. Nivrritii, a Bharatanatyam dancer and bilateral cochlear implant recipient, demonstrates how assistive technologies can empower artists to access and excel in classical arts, while Rishabh, a vocalist, keyboardist, and researcher, explores innovative approaches that make music more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. Together, they are creating new pathways for inclusion while preserving the richness and authenticity of Indian classical traditions.