Jitendra Maharaj

🪔 About

Jitendra Maharaj (1934-2023) was an eminent Indian classical dancer and a leading exponent of Kathak, particularly renowned for his mastery of the Benaras (Varanasi) Gharana's temple-style traditions. Born on September 9, 1934, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, he embarked on his Kathak journey at a young age, receiving intensive training under Guru Krishna Kumar Maharaj of Varanasi in the traditional guru-shishya parampara. Maharaj distinguished himself across various facets of Kathak as a performer, choreographer, percussionist, and guru. His artistic focus was on preserving and promoting the unique elements of the Banaras gharana, including its shuddha nritta bol aligned with pakhawaj rhythms, intricate laykari, and poetic kavit interpretations. He dedicated significant effort to researching ancient texts to revive the dance's ritualistic roots in temple festivities, and he is credited with the development and popularity of Kathak over a career spanning more than seven decades. Throughout his illustrious career, Jitendra Maharaj performed extensively both in India and internationally, gracing stages at venues such as the Commonwealth and Victoria Hall in London, and Carnegie Hall in New York. He also ventured into choreography for dance dramas and numerous productions, and even assisted his guru in the choreography for the film 'Prem Rog'. Beyond performance, Maharaj was a prolific teacher, beginning his instruction at the age of thirteen at institutions like Model Academy Bareilly, Natwari Kendra in Varanasi, and Manavsthali School in New Delhi. In 1970, he founded the Sangeetika Institute of Performing Arts in Delhi, serving as its artistic director and establishing it as a significant center for Kathak education. He also served as a visiting professor in the UK and lectured at various European universities, propagating Indian fine arts globally. A scholar of the art form, Jitendra Maharaj authored books on the spirituality of dance and its connection to yoga. His profound contributions to Kathak were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1996, the Indira Priyadarshini Award in 1998, the Nadbrahma Shiromani title in 2005, and the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2016, which was conferred in 2018. He also received the Kalidas Samman in 2017 and the Attendance Lifetime Contribution Award in 2019. His teaching legacy is notably carried forward by his prominent disciples, the internationally renowned Kathak duo Nalini and Kamalini Asthana, who continue to preserve and promote the temple style of Kathak. Jitendra Maharaj passed away in Delhi on February 18, 2023, leaving behind a rich and enduring legacy in the world of Indian classical dance. Awards & Honours: Nritya Vachaspati (1962), Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1996), Indira Priyadarshini Award (1998), Nadbrahma Shiromani (2005), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2016), Kalidas Samman (2017), Attendance Lifetime Contribution Award (2019), Nritya Shiromani Award, Ghongroo Wizard.