Sunder Prasad

🪔 About

Pandit Sunder Prasad (c. 1891 – May 29, 1970) was a highly revered guru and performer of the Indian classical dance form, Kathak. He is primarily associated with the Jaipur Gharana but was also known for seamlessly integrating elements from the Lucknow Gharana into his style. Born in Jaipur into a family steeped in Kathak traditions, Sunder Prasad received his initial training from his father, Pandit Chunnilal of the Jaipur Gharana. He further honed his skills under his uncle Durga Prasad and his elder brother, Pandit Jai Lal. A significant part of his early training also included studying under the legendary Bindadin Maharaj of the Lucknow Gharana, which he began at the age of eight and continued for 13 years, allowing him to master the intricacies of both prominent Kathak styles. Sunder Prasad embarked on his professional dancing career around the age of 20, performing extensively across India. He was not only a celebrated artist but also a dedicated teacher. Around 1919, he established the Maharaj Bindadin School of Kathak in Bombay (now Mumbai), naming it in honor of his Lucknow-based guru. He taught Kathak dance for nearly three decades in Mumbai, nurturing numerous aspiring dancers. After his tenure in Mumbai, he also spent time training in Chennai before settling in Delhi in 1958. In Delhi, he joined the Bharatiya Kala Kendra, which later became the Kathak Kendra, further solidifying his teaching legacy. For his profound contributions and lifelong dedication to Kathak, Pandit Sunder Prasad was honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1959. He also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship. His teaching methodology emphasized the preservation of Kathak's rich traditions through rigorous instruction in both nritta (pure dance) and abhinaya (expressive dance), with a particular forte in 'Tala Chitrakari'. He passed away on May 29, 1970, leaving behind a significant legacy through his many students who continue to propagate the art form. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1959), Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship.