Susmita Misra

🪔 About

Vidushi Susmita Misra is a distinguished and renowned figure in Indian classical dance, celebrated as a Kathak Guru of the Jaipur Gharana. She is widely recognized as one of the foremost Kathak exponents in India, known for her artistry, dedication, and significant contributions to preserving and spreading the classical dance form globally. Susmita Misra received her foundational training and mastery in Kathak from her father-in-law, the late Pandit Jailalji, a revered Kathak exponent from Jaipur, inheriting a rich artistic legacy. She is also the wife of the late Kathak Legend Nrityacharya Pandit Ram Gopal Misra, further deepening her connection to a prominent lineage within the Kathak tradition. Her extensive career encompasses both performance and teaching, and she regularly conducts workshops in the United Kingdom, playing a vital role in the international dissemination and understanding of Kathak. Her profound influence is evident through her students and family, including her granddaughter, Saberi Misra, who is also a Kathak dancer and was nurtured in a musically rich environment in London and Calcutta, learning Kathak directly from Susmita Misra. In recognition of her lifetime dedication and outstanding contributions to Indian performing arts, Susmita Misra was honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award in 2022 for her excellence in Kathak dance. This special award, instituted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, specifically acknowledges artists aged 75 years and above who have made remarkable achievements in the performing arts without prior national recognition. She is primarily associated with West Bengal, India. Her masterclasses delve into the history and essence of Kathak, the role of rhythm (tala) and expression (abhinaya), and the dance form's relevance in the modern world, offering valuable insights for students and practitioners alike. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award (2022).