The high point in Arti’s career came when Pandit Birju Maharaj himself mentioned that the academy was at par with traditional and celebrated Kathak institutions in Lucknow and Delhi, the capital cities of Uttar Pradesh and India respectively. Indeed it is no small feat to be recognized by Pandit Maharaj who has a legendary status in India. In 1986, he had received India’s second highest civilian honor, the Padma Vibhushan and has been decorated with several other high recognitions and awards. Arti says that “for Shankara Dance Academy to be so recognized by a genius as Maharaj Ji is akin to being crowned as a royalty, no less.”

She herself has performed internationally. One of her most memorable moments came when she had the occasion to perform in the presence of some famous names in Kathak in Delhi, including, of course, Pandit Birju Maharaj. She exults: “That was a performance in the presence of Kathak Royalty!”

Her life goals are clear. She is willing to inspire people to perform Kathak on stage. It does not matter if the person has no dance experience. She has the art of instilling self-confidence in newcomers and beginners, and makes sure that anxious moments and stage fright do not last very long. Hundreds of performers, many of them budding, have benefited from her gracious ways.