Daastan-E-Kathak: Awadh's Tale

Daastan-e-Kathak: Awadh`s Tale

A mesmerising trio of Kathak dancers brings alive the soul of Awadh through a unique blend of classical dance, storytelling, and Hindustani music. Rooted in the Lucknow gharana, their performance traces the rich history and evolution of this graceful dance form, renowned for its subtle expressions, intricate footwork, and romantic elegance. Interwoven with live storytelling and traditional Hindustani music, the performance becomes a living narrative that celebrates the cultural opulence of Lucknow. Through expressive abhinaya and rhythmic artistry, the dancers pay tribute to the vibrant legacy of the region, offering audiences an immersive experience that bridges past and present, tradition and innovation.

The Main Artists for Daastan-e-Kathak: Awadh`s Tale are-

1. Gauri Sharma- Gauri Sharma is an avid Kathak dancer who has learned this Indian classical dance form of ‘Lucknow Gharana’ under the renowned Guru Sashwati Senji and Kathak legend Padma Vibhushan Guru Pt. Birju Maharaj ji for the last 15 years. She is a Doordarshan-graded artist and has performed both in India and abroad. She has completed a Visharad from Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyala Mandal and a Master’s in Kathak from Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya Khairagarh, along with a Master’s in Sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University. She has been an integral part of the renowned musical `Mughal-e-Azam`.

2. Preeti Tiwari- Preeti Tiwari is a devoted Kathak performer with extensive training from renowned institutions. She is a disciple of Dr. Akanksha Srivastava, a distinguished Kathak exponent and Guru. Her academic credentials include diplomas from Prayag Sangeet Samiti (Prabhakar), Pracheen Kala Kendra (Bhaskar Poorn Khand), and Bhatkhande Vidyapeeth (NIPUN). Additionally, she holds a Master`s degree in Performing Arts from Rashtriya Kathak Sansthan (Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan), affiliated with Lucknow University.

Preeti`s passion for Kathak is deep and unwavering. She has conceptualised and directed "Haman Hain Ishq Mastana", a musical dance drama inspired by the teachings of Saint Kabir. With years devoted to both learning and teaching Kathak, she continues to share its spirit through performance, choreography, and educational demonstrations.

3. Simran Kashyap- Simran Kashyap is a Kathak dance performer of Lucknow Gharana. She has been learning this art form for 8 years, trained under the guidance of Guru Dr. Akanksha Srivastava. She has completed Nipun (Bhatkhande Vidya Peeth) and a Master’s in Kathak from Indra Kala Sangeet University, Khairagarh. She received the “Natwar Gopikrishna Award” in 2023. She won many competitions, including Akhil Bhartiya Sangeet Pratiyogita, organised by Prayag Sangeet Samiti, and Pradeshik Shastriya Sangeet Pratiyogita, organised by Sangeet Natak Akademi Uttar Pradesh, among others.

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