Daughter of renowned vocalist Smt Atashi Chatterjee, Poushali Chatterjee began her training in Manipuri Dance from the age of 8 under Shri Kunjo Singh. After her initial training she took lessons from Smt Darshana Jhaveri and Smt Kalavati Devi. Finally she came under the tutelage of the legendary Guru Bipin Singh, from whom she learnt the finer nuances of the dance style. She was one of the few fortunate students to be a part of Guruji's creative process, during which he composed items of sheer genius that form the rich repertoire of his school of Manipuri Dance.

Being a gifted and dedicated student, Poushali received a National Scholarship at the age of 12. With a natural grace and sense of tala, she became equally adept at tandava, lasya and abhinaya. Her interest in learning all aspects of this form made her learn how to play the Manipuri drum or Pung she has mastered the art and plays the instrument regularly during her performances. The same interest also motivated her to take training in Thang-Ta, the Manipuri Martial Arts, from Ranjeet Chingtham, an accomplished exponent of this form.

Institution

In 1996, Poushali opened her own institution, Nandanik Manipuri Dance Academy, now renamed Nandanik Movement Arts , where she teaches her students the various styles of Manipuri Dance - Rasleela, Cholom, Thang-ta and Mridang playing - according to the scientific system of training devised by Guru Bipin Singh. She also conducts Dance Movement Therapy sessions for children and adults. Nandanik has already produced fine dancers, many of whom have received scholarships and degrees from Pracheen Kala Kendra, as well as Shringarmoni titles from Sur Singar Samsad, Mumbai. The performing troupe of Nandanik has already toured extensively and given successful performances.