Kakoli is a multi faceted artist. Born in W. Bengal into a music lovers' family. Kakoli was naturally attracted to Kathak dance at a very young age. She began learning from her mentors Vani Chakroboriy and Smt. Shrilekha Mukherji. As she continued her training, she also was a student of the world renowned, legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj ji, and during the same time, Geetanjali Laal.

Kakoli continued her study of music formally, obtaining her Bachelors in Music degree in vocal and Rabindra Nritya. She received her Masters degree in Music - Dance from the Nati.onal Institute of Kathak Kendra, Delhi, and another Masters degree in Music - Dance from the Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad. During the period from 1998 to 2000, she was awarded a National scholarship from the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Culture.

Kakoli has had the privilege and the honor to perform at various prestigious venues and in presence of dignitaries, including Prince Charles and Lady Camilla Parker. Additional performances include at the Kamani Auditorium, in presence of Pandit Birju Maharajji in Delhi, Purcell Room in London, England, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London Centre, Nehru Center in presence of Pandit Zakir Hussein and Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma.

Kakoli is currently settled in London, England married to renowned Kathak dancer and teacher, Pandit Abhay Shankar Mishra. She continues to keep herself well occupied as a freelance performer/choreographer: She also assists her husband in the Kathak arena at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London, England when asked upon. Other dance hobbies include many traditional folk dances, including Cchau dance and Rabindra Nritya.

  Copyright 2006 Abhay Shankar Mishra , Kathak Dancer, and Creative Choreographer of Kathak