Ananta Press warmly congratulates Jyoti Mansukhani, author of Nrityaकर्मी, on being officially selected as a Winner of the Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award. We also extend our appreciation to Samhita Chaudhury, the co-author of this meaningful work, for her contribution to a book that beautifully preserves the journey, values and artistic legacy of Guru Pandita Maneesha Sathe ji.
Nrityaकर्मी is not just a biographical compilation. It is a heartfelt tribute to a life fully dedicated to Kathak, discipline, devotion and artistic excellence. The book captures the extraordinary journey of Maneesha ji, who has spent more than six decades in the world of dance as a performer, teacher, Guru and legend. Through personal memories, reflections, photographs, videos and deeply emotional write-ups, the book allows readers to understand her not only as a great artiste, but also as a sensitive human being whose influence has touched many lives.
The Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award honours books that show originality, literary strength, emotional depth, social value and meaningful contribution to readers. This award recognizes works that go beyond ordinary storytelling and create a lasting impression through their subject, presentation and purpose. Nrityaकर्मी stands strongly in this spirit because it documents an important artistic journey and preserves the legacy of an individual who has given her life to Indian classical dance.
The award committee selected Nrityaकर्मी for its sincerity, structure and cultural importance. The book is divided into three thoughtful sections. The first section presents Maneesha ji’s journey from childhood and early training to her growth as a performer and Guru. The inclusion of family photographs, childhood memories, performance images and videos makes this section lively and personal. It gives readers a complete view of her evolution and the dedication behind her artistic life.
The second section adds great emotional and historical value to the book. It brings together 32 write-ups from senior Gurus, artistes, musicians, technicians and others who have known Maneesha ji closely. Contributions from respected personalities such as Taalyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar ji, Pt. Rajendra Gangani ji, Pt. Jai Kishan Maharaj ji, Shama Bhate ji, Dr. Sucheta Chapekar ji, Pt. Nandkishore Kapote ji and many others make this section rich, authentic and memorable. Each write-up carries its own unique voice and tagline, making the book deeply layered and personal.
The third section gives space to the voices of senior students of Maneesha Nrityalaya. These reflections show the depth of the Guru-shishya bond and the lasting influence of Maneesha ji’s teaching. By including students from different decades, the book becomes a bridge between generations. It shows how one Guru’s vision continues to live through her students, their memories and their practice.
Jyoti Mansukhani’s work deserves recognition because it carries literary value as well as cultural responsibility. The book is original in its concept, impactful in its presentation and inspiring in its message. It celebrates discipline, devotion, art, relationships and legacy. It also reminds readers that a true artist does not only perform on stage, but also shapes lives, builds institutions and leaves behind a tradition that continues to grow.
Nrityaकर्मी is a valuable contribution to non-fiction literature, especially in the field of Indian classical arts. It preserves memories that may otherwise remain scattered across individuals and generations. Through this book, Jyoti Mansukhani has created a meaningful record of a life dedicated to Kathak and has given readers a chance to experience the grace, strength and humanity of Guru Maneesha Sathe ji.
Ananta Press proudly congratulates Jyoti Mansukhani and Samhita Chaudhury for this well-deserved honour. We wish them continued success and hope that Nrityaकर्मी reaches many readers, students, artistes and lovers of Indian classical dance. This recognition celebrates not only a book, but also the timeless contribution of Guru Maneesha Sathe ji to the world of art and culture.
Jury Feedback
Glenville Ashby
Glenville Ashby appreciated Nrityaकर्मी for its honesty, emotional strength and cultural importance. According to him, the book is a rare kind of biography because it does not only present facts, dates and achievements, but also captures the inner journey of an artiste. He felt that the author has handled the subject with respect and sensitivity. The structure of the book gives readers a clear understanding of Maneesha ji’s life, her training, her discipline and her growth as a Guru. He especially valued the way photographs, memories and reflections have been used to make the book more personal and alive. In his view, Nrityaकर्मी is a meaningful contribution to non-fiction writing because it documents an artistic life with dignity. He found the book inspiring for young readers, especially for those who wish to understand what true dedication to art means.
Roxana Jaffer
Roxana Jaffer found Nrityaकर्मी to be a graceful and heartfelt tribute to Guru Pandita Maneesha Sathe ji. She felt that the book carries warmth from the very beginning and reflects the author’s deep respect for her subject. What impressed her most was the balance between personal memories and artistic documentation. The book does not feel distant or formal. It feels close, sincere and emotionally connected. She appreciated the inclusion of voices from senior Gurus, artistes, musicians and students, as it gives the book a collective spirit. According to her, the second section is especially powerful because every write-up adds a new shade to Maneesha ji’s personality. Roxana Jaffer believed that the book is valuable not only for dancers, but also for readers who admire commitment, humility and lifelong learning. She described it as a book that preserves both art and affection.
Apeksha Gupta
Apeksha Gupta praised Nrityaकर्मी for its clear purpose and strong emotional foundation. She felt that the book has been created with great care and devotion. The three-section structure helps readers move naturally through Maneesha ji’s life, relationships and legacy. She particularly appreciated the first section, which follows the journey from childhood to becoming a respected performer, teacher and Guru. The use of photographs and videos makes the reading experience more engaging and helps readers connect visually with the journey. Apeksha also noted that the book highlights the importance of discipline in the life of an artiste. She felt that the author has not only written about Kathak, but has also shown how art becomes a way of living. In her opinion, Nrityaकर्मी deserves recognition because it inspires readers to value tradition, dedication and the people who carry art forward.
Asha Seth
Asha Seth felt that Nrityaकर्मी is a deeply moving book because it gives voice to many people whose lives have been touched by Maneesha ji. She appreciated the sincerity of the students’ reflections in the third section and felt that these voices make the book very special. According to her, a Guru’s true legacy is seen in the lives of the students, and this book captures that truth beautifully. She also admired the way the author has brought together different generations under one narrative. The book shows how Maneesha ji’s teachings have continued over the years and how her influence remains alive through Maneesha Nrityalaya. Asha Seth found the language simple, respectful and accessible. She believed that Nrityaकर्मी is not just a tribute, but also a record of gratitude. For her, the book’s greatest strength is its emotional honesty.
Neel Preet
Neel Preet appreciated Nrityaकर्मी for its originality and depth. He felt that the book stands apart because it is not a usual biography. It is a layered compilation of memories, experiences, artistic milestones and personal relationships. He was impressed by the way the author has allowed many voices to come together without losing the central focus on Maneesha ji. The unique taglines given to each write-up in the second section add freshness and help readers understand the essence of every contribution. Neel Preet also felt that the book has strong archival value. It preserves important details about an artiste whose contribution to Kathak deserves to be remembered and studied. He found the book useful for students of dance, researchers of Indian culture and general readers who enjoy inspiring life stories. According to him, the book has both literary and cultural merit.
Deepak Seth
Deepak Seth described Nrityaकर्मी as a respectful, well-structured and inspiring work. He felt that the author has successfully captured the spirit of a life dedicated to Kathak. The book shows how dedication, determination and devotion can shape not only one person’s journey, but also the lives of many others. He appreciated the presence of senior Gurus and artistes in the book, as their reflections give credibility and richness to the narrative. He also valued the students’ section, which shows the emotional impact of Maneesha ji’s teaching. Deepak Seth believed that the book’s strength lies in its ability to make readers feel connected to the subject. It is informative, but it is also warm and personal. In his view, Nrityaकर्मी is a deserving winner because it honours art, preserves legacy and encourages respect for the Guru-shishya tradition.
