Shri Pratap Pawar

🪔 About

Padmashri Guru Pandit Pratap Pawar (May 20, 1942 – June 23, 2026) was a distinguished exponent, teacher, and choreographer of Kathak, one of India's classical dance forms. Born in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, India, he embarked on his dance journey against societal norms. He became the first 'ganda-bandh' (formally initiated) disciple of the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj, receiving authentic traditional instruction. He also received training from Sundarprasad ji and Guru Maya Rao. Pawar's career spanned over six decades and four continents, establishing him as a global guru of Kathak. In 1972, he was sponsored by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to promote Indian dance in Guyana and Trinidad for eight years. He settled in London in 1981, becoming the very first full-time Kathak teacher at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, commencing in 1980. In 1984, he founded the Triveni Dance Company, which toured extensively in the UK and internationally. Renowned for blending traditional Kathak with other dance forms, Pawar pioneered "East meets West" concepts, collaborating with Flamenco and Afro-Caribbean styles in the UK, Caribbean, and USA. His choreographic ventures included dance-dramas such as "Sur Jhankar," "Mowgli," "Rains through Rhythm," "Triveni," and "Divya Drishti." He performed at prestigious venues globally, including the Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. A committed Kathakaar, Guru Pratap Pawar trained numerous students worldwide, including internationally acclaimed Akram Khan, Riaz Rhemutullah, Nisha Radia, Alpana, Deepa, Philip McClintock, and Deveika Chetram. His daughter, Asavari Pawar, also became a Kathak performer and runs an academy in Delhi. For his invaluable contributions, he received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2008 and the MBE in 2019. He passed away on June 23, 2026, leaving behind a profound legacy in the world of Kathak. Awards & Honours: Padma Shri (2008), MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) (2019), Kathak Samrat, Nritya Shiromani, Pride of India, Singarmani, GLA Award (1987), Grant award.