My Early Life

Karamjeet Madonna was born in New Delhi to Neena and Ravinder Kumar. From an early age, she was deeply inspired by her mother, who was not only her first dance teacher but also her costume designer, ensuring every performance was perfect. Her mother played a crucial role in shaping her artistic journey, always supporting her in every show and competition.

She started dancing at the age of three, participating in various dance competitions and talent shows, including one where she won for seven consecutive years, and also appearing in TV reality shows.

At five, she began her stage journey with a solo tabla performance. By childhood, she had performed in numerous shows across many parts of India.

At six, while dancing in school, she caught the attention of the late Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji and Vidushi Saswati Sen, who were present as guests. She performed Kahe Chhed Chhed Mohe, a song deeply connected to Maharaj Ji. He was highly impressed, gave her blessings and token money, and later took her under his guidance at Kalashram, his esteemed dance institution.

Under his tutelage, Karamjeet trained in Kathak for 8-10 years, performing alongside Maharaj Ji’s disciples at prestigious events such as Vasant Utsav, his birthday celebrations, and various dance festivals. Notably, in Vasantotsav, she was chosen to play the lead role of Meera in the Kathak dance drama Meera Bai, a performance that Maharaj Ji personally witnessed.

She pursued post-graduation in Kathak from Kalashram and completed a five-year Kathak degree from Prayag Sangeet Samiti.

Beyond classical dance, she also performed Bollywood dance across India, particularly in Delhi and its many regions.

Being in an Indian classical environment, following the path of her guru, she developed a deep passion for music. In her teenage years, she began training in Hindustani Classical Music (vocals) and tabla. She is currently pursuing Visharad in Hindustani Classical Music from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya.

She trained in piano from Pracheen Kala Kendra and studied theatre at National School of Drama (NSD) and Sriram Centre for Performing Arts. She performed with renowned theatre personalities like Krishnakant Singha (KK Sir), Sanjay Upadhyay, Ashraf Ali, and Bapi Bose, participating in prestigious theatre festivals such as Jashne Bachpan, Bal Sangam, and Bharat Rang Mahotsav.

At 14, she began teaching Kathak, Bollywood dance, and music, opening her own studio. Since then, she has trained over 200 students across these disciplines. She has taught in both Delhi and Mumbai, continuing her journey as a dedicated educator.

Karamjeet is an accomplished instrumentalist. She plays the tabla fluently and is skilled in piano, violin, harmonium, keyboard, ukulele, kalimba, and sarangi, demonstrating her deep connection with music and her ability to master multiple instruments.

She is also a graduate of the University of Delhi and pursued her Master’s (MA) in History, driven by her deep interest in the subject.