These eminent classical dancers are giving Kathak its deserving fame

India besides its rich and vast culture and tradition is also known for its various classical art forms. Among them, the field of classical dance holds a niche and respectful place in India. The classical dances of India are one of the oldest forms of art in the country was once performed as an ode to the god and were worship in ancient temples. And today these classical dance forms are popular worldwide. There are eight classical dance forms recognised by the Sangeet Natak Academy out of which Kathak –which originated from North India – has accumulated huge praise and is widely practiced all across the world.

Originating from Sanskrit word Katha meaning ‘story’, and Kathaka - meaning ‘he who tells a story’ – were the ones in the ancient times who communicated stories from epics and mythology through dance, songs, and music. It became famous and gained precedence only during the Bhakti movement. So here are a few world-renowned Kathak dancers of India.

Sunayana Hazarilal Sunayana Hazarilal Agarwal is widely acknowledged and known for being the only surviving practitioner of the Benaras Gharana (Janakiprasad) of Kathak. Hazarilal has done research on the genealogy of Janakiprasad Gharana and published many articles. She is the recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and a Padma Shree. She is a visiting faculty member of some of the most prestigious dance institutions around the world, including the University of California, Los Angeles.

Shovana Narayan Trained under legendary Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj and Kundanlal Gangani, Narayan is known for her experimentation. She is famous as both, performer and a guru for her sheer efforts and ability to fuse Kathak with other major dance forms like Western Classical Ballet, Tap dance, and Spanish Flamenco. An acclaimed author and social thinker, the Kathak maestro is also the Padma Shri recipient.

Pandit Birju Maharaj The veteran Kathak dancer, Pt. Birju Maharaj is one of the most renowned Kathak gurus and dancers of India. He emerged to be the torchbearer of the acclaimed Lucknow Gharana and is equally talented in singing thumri, dadra, bhajans, and ghazals. In fact, he is known for experimenting in Kathak and dance dramas, in order to be able to reach the masses. He was conferred with the Padma Vibhushan and also received the Kalidas award and Nehru Fellowship.

Pandit Rajendra Kumar Gangani A renowned Kathak dancer, he is the current Guru of the Jaipur Gharana. Known for his innovative style and contribution to Kathak, Gangani is a disciple of Pt. Kundanlal Gangani. The unique aspect of his dancing style is his ability to break down complicated and difficult ‘Bols‘ of Kathak and continues to experiment.