Puru Dadheech

🪔 About

Puru Dadheech, born Purushottam Dadheech on July 17, 1939, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is a distinguished Kathak dancer, choreographer, and educator. He is widely recognized as a pivotal figure in shaping the academic landscape of Kathak dance, often referred to as the 'father of the education system of Kathak'. Dadheech received his training under the Guru-Shishya Parampara from eminent gurus such as Pt. Durga Prasad, Pt. Sunder Prasad, Pt. Narayan Prasad, and Pt. Shambhu Maharaj. He holds a Doctorate (D.Mus.) in Kathak for his thesis "Kathak Nritya ka Udbhav aur Vikas" and a PhD in Sanskrit Dramatics from Vikram University, Ujjain, with his research on "Sanskrit Prayog Vigyan Evam Kalidasiya Rupak" published as a book. Dadheech played a crucial role in institutionalizing Kathak education, preparing the first Kathak syllabus for BA and MA degrees which was approved by Khairagarh University in 1961. He served as Professor and Head of the Dance Department at Bhatkhande University, Lucknow, from 1974 to 1988, and later as Dean, Faculty of Arts, at Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh, in 2001. He is currently the Director of the Sri Sri Centre for Advanced Research in Kathak at Sri Sri University, Cuttack, India's first dedicated Kathak research center, where he emphasizes the relevance of ancient Indian dance treatises (Shastras) in the Kathak repertoire. Dadheech has propounded the 'Dadheech Shaili' (Dadheech Style) of Kathak dance, known for its creative and practical aspects, including the use of Karanas and Angahars, and the revival of ancient 'aprachalit' taals and compositions. He has authored 18 books and several research papers, including "Kathak Nritya Shiksha" (Volumes I and II) and a Hindi course book for Bharatnatyam. His contributions extend to creating dance ballets and reviving the 'Katha Kathan' style of Bhakti Nartan in Kathak. Awards & Honours: Padma Shri (2020), Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2018), Kalidas Samman, Maha Mahopadhyay (Hon.D.Lit), Shikhar Samman Award (2007), Academy Award and Copper plate (1984), Tagore National Fellowship, SwarSadhana Ratna Samman (2000), Kathak Purush Alankaran (1998), Dhrupad Bhushan title (1989), Shreshtra KalaAcharya Honour (1990).