Celebrating Kathak

To commemorate the 65th birth anniversary of the legendry Kathak guru, late Pandit Durga Lal, a four day long festival of Kathak dance, music and subject seminars was being organised at the India Habitat Centre.

The Pt Durga Lal Samman (award) was instituted and given to Nandini Singh, eminent Kathak dancer and teacher who was Lal’s senior most disciple and co-dancer in late 60’s. Award was given away by the Vice Chairperson of Sangeet Natak Akademi, Shanta Serbjeet Singh.

Durga Lal was one of the best known exponents of Kathak and the leading torch bearer of its Jaipur Gharana in his time. He was hailed as the Adonis of Kathak. He passed away suddenly after a stage performance in Lucknow on 31 January 1990 .

The four day event kicked off with a special program called Temple of Drums with Indian, Iranian and western drummers. The seminar - Kathak - The Road Ahead was held that allowed young artistes to share their visions. The festival also witnessed some stunning performances including a group production, led by Sharmishtha Mukherjee, and solo presentations by Rajendra Gangani and Jayant Kastuar. The festival concluded with Baithak Bhava Session of old Kathak style by Shikha Khare, Bhaswati Mukherjee and Nandini Singh.