Guru Smt. Hema Prabhath, daughter of Shri Venkatesh Achar and Smt. Sudha Venkatesh hails from the esteemedPRABHATH KALAVIDARU family of performing artists. Encouraged by her grandfather, Shri Gopinatha Dasaru, she beganher stage journey at age five. Trained by renowned gurus like Prof. U.S. Krishnarao and Smt. Chandrabhagadevi gave herRangapravesha in 1989. As the founder of Sukruti Natyalaya, she has choreographed notable works and led her students toexcel in Bharatanatyam. Guru Hema has published two well-received dance books and organizes annual national dancecompetitions. She has also established another institution named “Naatyasukrutha” alongside her husband Shri PrashanthGopal Shastry. Apart from dance, she has acted in numerous TV shows as well as Kannada films.

She has performed domestically as well as globally and is the leading lady in the national award-winning film “AmericaAmerica.” Her numerous accolades include the “Naadaprabhu Kempegowda Award” in 2019 for her contributions to dance.