Rajendra Gangani

🪔 About

Pandit Rajendra Gangani is a celebrated Indian Kathak dancer, renowned for his innovative style and technical brilliance, and a leading exponent of the Jaipur Gharana. Born into a lineage of distinguished Kathak dancers, he began his training at the tender age of four under the tutelage of his father, the legendary Pt. Kundanlal Gangani. He further honed his skills and graduated from Kathak Kendra, Delhi, in 1983-84. Throughout his illustrious career, Pt. Gangani has made significant contributions to the field of Kathak, enriching the art form with his unique compositions and new techniques in footwork. He is known for seamlessly blending the purity of tradition with a contemporary approach in his choreographic creations. His thematic works include 'Leele-Varnan', 'Raag Vistaar', 'Tribandhi', 'Sargam', 'Zhalak', 'Srijan', 'Kavitakriti', 'Maharaas', and 'Parikrama'. Beyond his exceptional dancing, Pt. Gangani is also an accomplished musician, demonstrating mastery over instruments such as the tabla, harmonium, and pakhawaj, which adds a rare musicality to his dance compositions. He has performed and taught at major festivals across Asia, Europe, America, and Africa, captivating audiences globally with his intricate bols and expressive abhinaya. As a dedicated guru, he has been a Senior Guru at Kathak Kendra, Delhi, since 1984, and has also served as a Visiting Faculty and Head of Department (Kathak) at Nalanda Nrityakala Mahavidyalaya since 2018. His teaching legacy has produced numerous powerful Kathak dancers who perform and teach internationally. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2003), Sangeet Raj, Shastriya Nritya Shiromani, Best Dancer Award in China, Nritya Chudamani, Nishagandhi Puraskaram (2025), Best Choreographer's Award (2024).