Parveen Gangani

🪔 About

Parveen Gangani was a distinguished Indian classical Kathak dancer, choreographer, and guru, widely recognized as a leading exponent of his generation. Hailing from the esteemed Jaipur Gharana, he was initiated into Kathak at an early age by his brother, Guru Shri Manish Kumar Gangani. He further honed his skills under the tutelage of the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj, thereby receiving training in both the Jaipur and Lucknow gharana styles. This dual training resulted in a unique and harmonious blend reflected in his performances, which were critically acclaimed for his spellbinding footwork, fast pirouettes, and commendable command over abhinaya (expressive aspect). Beyond his prowess as a soloist, Gangani was also an accomplished choreographer, creating numerous ensembles, including a fusion piece with flamenco dancers and the "Yog Yatra Ballet" based on Kathak and Yoga. He was an empanelled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) as an established Kathak solo performer. His extensive performance career took him to prestigious festivals across India and internationally, including the USA, Great Britain, Japan, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Mexico, Indonesia, and Russia. Parveen Gangani also made significant contributions as a musician, proficient in playing the tabla, pakhawaj, and naal. He founded the Kathak Disha Academy of Dance and Music in 1997, formally establishing it in 2004 after returning from a stint in Europe. From 2007 to 2010, he served as a Kathak teacher at the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre in Moscow, Russia, on an ICCR posting, where he trained numerous disciples. Guru Parveen Gangani passed away prematurely in June 2018 in Kuala Lumpur. Awards & Honours: Shrinagar Mani award, Gopal Parohit Award.