ANUPAMA DINESHKUMAR

Anupama, born in Tripunithura, began journey in Kathakali under the esteemed guidance of guru Sri FACT Padmanabhan. Traditionally a male-dominated art form, she broke barriers by joining the Tripunithura Kathakali Kendram's ladies troupe , which empowers  women to learn and perform this exquisite dance.

In 2017, her troupe was honored with the Nari Shakti Puraskar by the President of India, a testament to their impactful work. Anupama continues to foster cultural exchange through dance, collaborating with professionals and students from various dance forms to introduce Kathakali to new audiences.

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PREETHA KANDANCHATHA

Preetha is a versatile artist, skilled in all South Indian classical art forms, including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, and Bharathnatyam. Coming from the esteemed family of renowned Kathakali artist Sri Naripatta Narayanan Namboodiri, who is also her Guru and Uncle, she has received training from prominent teachers like Sadanam Lakshmikutty and Kalamandalam Indira. Honored with the “Kala Thilakam” award from Palakkad District for her exceptional performances, Preetha has garnered accolades from well-known dancers across Kerala. To promote the rich traditions of Indian culture, she founded Nritha Kala Kendra in Toronto, where she empowers and inspires students through the art of dance

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KARIYANNOOR DIVAKARAN  NAMBOOTHIRI 

Brahmashree Divakaran Namboothirii, the esteemed chief priest of the Guruvaroorappan temple in Brampton, is not only a dedicated spiritual leader but also a passionate writer and Kathakali performer. His remarkable portrayal of Kuchela in the celebrated performance "Kuchelavrittam" has garnered widespread acclaim from both and audiences alike. With a deep commitment to his art and culture, he continues to inspire many through his performances and literary contributions.

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JAYASHREE DINESHKUMAR

Jayashree Dineshkumar is a passionate dancer, expertly trained in Bharathnatyam and Kathakali. Under guidance of her esteemed gurus, Smt. Preetha Kandanchatha and Sadanam Vijayan, she proudly completed her Arangettam in both art forms in 2021. Balancing her studies with her love for dance, Jayashree continues to perform, learn, inspire the next generation of dance students. Her commitment to the art form shines through in every performance and class she leads.

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Kochunni Oppath

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Kochunni Oppath is an ardent lover of art and a dedicated pioneer in promoting classical Indian dance forms. In 2006, he initiated the first-ever Kathakali performance in Canada, showcasing the talents of trained artists and ensuring that these cherished traditions remain vibrant in North America. As both a scholar performer of Chakyarkoothu, Padakam, and Kathakali, he has made contributions to the cultural landscape. Additionally, Kochunni is active member of various cultural organizations in North America, furthering the appreciation of arts.

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Gayathri Dineshkumar is a talented costume and makeup assistant with specialized training in Chutti, a unique facial makeup style for Kathali, guided by the esteemed Kalamandalam Arun Ramesh. With a passion for the arts, Gayathri has contributed her skills to numerous performances alongside Sopanam members in Canada and the USA. Her dedication and expertise enhance the visual storytelling of production she participates in.​

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Rajeswari Kochunni is a dedicated costume and stage assistant, playing vital role in bringing performances to life. Her support for Sopanam members during various shows across Canada and the U.S.A. has been invaluable. With her keen eye for detail and passion for the arts, Rajeswari ensures that every production shines

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