Raj Kapoor

Raj Kapoor is Dance and Music Director of Dance Theater of Nepal. He served as Associate Director of Dramatic Art at the Royal Nepal Academy in Kathmandu, Nepal and has performed, taught, directed and shared Nepali dance and music in more than 23 countries worldwide.
Beginning in 1996 in America and throughout his career in Nepal, Raj Kapoor has devoted his life to the expression and preservation of Nepali arts and culture..He collaborated with artist Sherry Onna Handlin in developing Nepal '98, the first yearlong festival highlighting Nepali culture in America. The series included 14 events citywide. His astute creativity has brought him to world music and dance settings including American Museum of Natural History, Symphony Space in New York the Smithsonian in Washington DC.,The Nepali Embassy and many cultural settings including universities, schools, and arts centers. The versatility and scope of his artistry and achievements in his field are rare. As a dancer, musician, composer, director and teacher he continually takes on new projects. Proficient on all eastern drums he has composed Nepali music for many films, television and radio shows in Nepal and India. He co-produced Kathmandu Embrace,with Arjun Gurung, the first CD of its kind created in New York. His expertise as a choreographer and director is seen in his work in film and video in America, Nepal and India..Kapoor's inspiring role as a leader both within the Nepali community and the larger community of American audiences is evidenced by the variety of performances he has undertaken.These accomplishments have been documented in American, Nepali Community, and South Asian press publications including The New York Times, Washington Post, Dyalo, News India Times, and India Abroad. From 1996 to the present he has helped to organize and participate in various community cultural programs held yearly at ANA conventions in different cities. He has received many awards in both Nepal and in the US from various Nepali community organizations including; ANA, Nepali Friendship Society, and FNA. He has also been honored by the Nepali Ambassador to the UN.
As a teacher of Nepali dance and music he is relentless in sharing what he knows and loves. His intuitive qualities, energy and lively sense of humor combine with a tenacity of purpose. As both an innovator and preserver of Traditional Nepali Performing Arts, Raj Kapoor has expressed a unique artistic style.This is the mark of a truly great international artist and cultural ambassador.