Uma Dogra

🪔 About

Uma Dogra, born on April 23, 1957, in New Delhi, India, is a distinguished exponent of Kathak, an Indian classical dance form. She began her dance journey at the age of seven, initially training in the Lucknow school of Kathak under Guru Bansilal and Reba Vidyarthi at Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, from 1969 to 1972. Her pursuit of enriching her art led her to the Jaipur Gharana, where she became the senior-most Ganda Bandh Shagird (formally initiated disciple) of the renowned Kathak maestro, Pt. Durga Lal, training under him from 1972 to 1984. Dogra also received Hindustani Classical Vocal training from her father, Pt. Motiram Sharma, a sitar player and disciple of Pt. Ravi Shankar, which deepened her understanding of dance as visual music. In 1984, Uma Dogra moved to Mumbai, where she established herself as a prominent Kathak soloist, choreographer, and teacher. Her commitment to promoting Indian performing arts led her to found the Sam Ved Society for Performing Arts in 1990, in memory of her guru, Pt. Durga Lal. Under the society's banner, she has been organizing two significant annual festivals in Mumbai: the Pt. Durga Lal Festival, which showcases eminent artists, and the Raindrops Festival of Indian Classical Dance, providing a platform for emerging soloists. The Pt. Durga Lal Festival celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2020. Dogra also runs the Uma Dogra's School of Kathak in Mumbai, conducting classes, workshops, and master classes. Throughout her career spanning over four decades, Uma Dogra has performed extensively across India and internationally, captivating audiences with her blend of Lucknow's delicacy and Jaipur's vigor, infused with her unique expressive style. She has participated in numerous prestigious festivals, including the Khajuraho Dance Festival and Margazhi festival. Her significant contributions to Kathak have earned her several accolades, notably the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2014. Other honors include the Maharashtra Sanskriti State Puraskar in 2009, the Maharashtra Gaurav Samman in 2015, and an Honorary Doctorate in Arts from ITM University Raipur in 2015. Dogra is also an author, having penned the book "In Praise of Kathak," and has made a film, "Nirvana Through Dance," in memory of her guru. Her notable students include Tina Tambe, Sonam Kapoor, and Rachana Parulkar. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2014), Maharashtra Sanskriti State Puraskar (2009), Sangeet Kala Ratna, Maharashtra Gaurav Samman (2015), Honorary Membership of Min-On Concert Association (2008), Honorary Doctorate in Arts (2015).