Shambhu Maharaj
Encyclopedia
Pandit Shambhu Maharaj was a celebrated Guru of the Lucknow Gharana (school) of the Indian classical dance form, Kathak
.
. His actual name is Shambhunath Mishra. He was the youngest son of Kalka Prasad Maharaj. He received his training from his father, uncle Bindadin Maharaj and his eldest brother Achchan Maharaj, and also had another elder brother Lacchu Maharaj. He learned Hindustani classical music
from Ustad Rahimuddin Khan.
in 1967 and the Padmashri in 1956.
He had two sons, Krishnamohan and Rammohan and a daughter, Rameshwari. Amongst his pupils, the most noted exponents of Kathak are his nephew Birju Maharaj
, Kumudini Lakhia
, Damayanti Joshi
, Bharati Gupta, Uma Sharma and Rina Singha.. His son Rammohan Maharaj was also his disciple and continues to perform his style .
Kathak
Kathak is one of the eight forms of Indian classical dances, originated from Uttar Pradesh, India. This dance form traces its origins to the nomadic bards of ancient northern India, known as Kathaks, or storytellers...
.
Early life and training
He was born in LucknowLucknow
Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh in India. Lucknow is the administrative headquarters of Lucknow District and Lucknow Division....
. His actual name is Shambhunath Mishra. He was the youngest son of Kalka Prasad Maharaj. He received his training from his father, uncle Bindadin Maharaj and his eldest brother Achchan Maharaj, and also had another elder brother Lacchu Maharaj. He learned Hindustani classical music
Hindustani classical music
Hindustani classical music is the Hindustani or North Indian style of Indian classical music found throughout the northern Indian subcontinent. The style is sometimes called North Indian Classical Music or Shāstriya Sangeet...
from Ustad Rahimuddin Khan.
Career
In 1952, he joined the Bharatiya Kala Kendra (later, Kathak Kendra), New Delhi. He became the head of the Dance (Kathak) department. He was honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi FellowshipSangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, also, Sangeet Natak Akademi Ratna Sadasya is an honour for the performing arts in India...
in 1967 and the Padmashri in 1956.
He had two sons, Krishnamohan and Rammohan and a daughter, Rameshwari. Amongst his pupils, the most noted exponents of Kathak are his nephew Birju Maharaj
Birju Maharaj
Brijmo Mishra popularly known as Pandit Birju Maharaj is currently the leading exponent of the Varanasi Kalka-Bindadin gharana of Kathak dance in India.He is a descendant of the legendary Maharaj family of Kathak dancers, including his two uncles, Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj, and his father...
, Kumudini Lakhia
Kumudini Lakhia
Kumudini Lakhia is an Indian Kathak dancer and choreographer based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where she founded Kadamb School of Dance and Music, an institute of Indian dance and music in 1967....
, Damayanti Joshi
Damayanti Joshi
Damayanti Joshi was a noted Indian classical dancer in the Kathak dance form. Starting as young dancer in the troupe of Madame Menaka in the 1930s, which travelled to many parts of the world...
, Bharati Gupta, Uma Sharma and Rina Singha.. His son Rammohan Maharaj was also his disciple and continues to perform his style .