MEET OUR
Team
Priyank Thakker
Founder and Lead Choreographer (Bollywood)
“I remember how I fell in love with dancing as a child. As soon as the Chaiyyaa Chaiyyaa song came up anywhere I used to run and dance to the tunes of it in front of everyone. And from then I never looked back and always have wanted to learn and grow as a dancer. I trained at Shiamak Davar and Raëll Padamsee Academy for Creative Expression (ACE) in Bollywood dancing and gave many stage performances as a child artist.
I am grateful to lead a team filled with talent and enthusiasm to help spread our culture, dance, and love.
See you on the Big Screen”.
Mr. NAACH
DEEP PATEL
Co-Founder & Head of Business Operations
“Since my engineering school, I had been part of a team ‘Kshatriya’(university car racing) where I was managing operations and finances for them. That is when I realized my inclination toward that career path.
I always wanted to be a part of a growing team in the entertainment industry where I could use my skillset and also grow my network. I am glad to be a part of the Naach team and help it reach new levels of success”.
NAACHrangi bhaijaan
Kriti Datta
Lead Choreographer (Bhangra)
I’ve always been in awe of incredible storytelling. I grew up with a varied sense of music and was able to experience it through different forms of dance. Whether that be learning Indian classical singing for 8 years or dancing competitively for my college team, music and therefore dance has always been at the center stage for storytelling for me. I have represented and danced for the UCI Bhangra undergraduate team Rangla Punjab”.
NAACH Basanti
VISHNU NAMBIAR
Lead Choreographer(Bolly-Hop)
“Dance has taught me that your comfort zone is never the end. Learning from one of the best choreographers and teachers of India, Mr. Tushar Shetty I fell in love with Bolly-hop. This form had a combination of my love for hip-hop and Bollywood which I continued and have a strong inclination to. I have been a part of Team Gyrations back in India where I performed at various events and competitions!”
URBAN NAACHIST
GIA VARSHNEY
Associate Choreographer(Bollywood)
“Since I was a toddler my deep interest in dance was always noticed. From dancing to “Yeh Ishq Hai” and “Chammak Challo” as a 3-year-old and dancing in competitions since age 5 to coming to Naach and becoming a stronger dancer, dancing has followed me everywhere I go. Bollywood dancing has helped increase my confidence and allowed me to learn more about my culture. My family and friends know me as someone who can never stay still and is always dancing even in the most serious situations. I am so glad to have been given this opportunity and I’m so thankful to Naach for being a major part of the beginning of my dance journey!
CHOTI NAACHANIYA
BEGAIYM
Lead Instructor (Zumba and BollyX)
“I have always had a love for Bollywood music and wanted to incorporate them in my gym and workout sessions. After acquiring my certification as a dance instructor in BollyX ( Bollywood Workout), and Zumba Fitness in 2017, I have been teaching at various locations all over Chicago. I teach regularly at XSport Fitness, LA Fitness, UFC Gym Wrigleyville, and FFC ( Fitness Formula Clubs ) in Chicago.I have made most of my friends through dance and exploring different cultures and hope to spread Bollywood love among everyone in the NAACH community as well. My motto is that Music and Dance are the greatest connection to making friends, making people feel happy, healthy and staying fit
I am very excited to be given this opportunity by Naach and can't wait to get started!
Let’s Sweat & Smile
ZUMBA NAACHRANI
TIRUMALESH N
Lead Instructor (Kuthuhop)
“ I've been dancing since I was in school, but I developed my style as an undergrad when I was a dance club member and in charge of one of the groups at campus events. I enjoy hip-hop and kuthu styles, blending them with my dance routines for the fastest possible beats. Throughout my dance career, I had breaks that lasted months to years, but I never took the chance to lose my cool and flair. I am grateful to the Naach Chicago team for welcoming me into the Naach family to keep up my dance skills.
ROWDY KUTHUNAACH
AKSHATA ANNIGERI
Lead Instructor (Semi-Classical)
“I am thrilled to share my passion for semi-classical dance with you. Growing up, I was deeply inspired by the iconic moves of Madhuri Dixit and the vibrant beats of Bollywood classics like “Radha Kaise Na Jale”. It wasn’t long before I discovered that semi-classical dance was my happy place. As a dancer, I have always been drawn to the power of facial expression. I have been called the expression queen by many, as I believe that the art of dance is not just in the movements of the body, but also in the emotions that we convey through our facial expressions. With Naach, I have the opportunity to learn and share the little knowledge I have with others. Coming from a family of teachers, I have always been interested in teaching and sharing my love of dance with others. I am grateful for this opportunity to teach and learn from the vibrant community of dancers at Naach. So, whether you are an experienced dancer or just starting out, I invite you to join us in exploring the beauty and joy of semi-classical dance. Let’s dance together and share our love for this incredible art form!
NAACH NAZAKATrani
ashish bhard
Lead Instructor (Contemporary)
Ashish is a skilled dancer with expertise in various dance forms, such as Indian contemporary, Latin American, and modern dancing. He successfully operated his own dance studio called Soul Salsa in Noida for a span of five years. Ashish has showcased his talent alongside the Anveshna Society of Performing Arts. Recently, in the Chicago area, he was honored with the prestigious title of the best choreographer among a pool of American artists. Furthermore, Ashish has contributed his choreography skills to music videos for renowned artists like Indeep Bakshi, famous for the hit song "Kala Chashma.