Dharamsiji Shah

🪔 About

Dharamshi Shah, a revered Kathak exponent, was a pioneering figure in Indian classical dance, particularly in Gujarat. Born on April 5, 1921, in Mandvi, he passed away at the age of 98 on December 9, 2017, in Bhavnagar. Shah's journey in dance began with studies at Santiniketan under the tutelage of Rabindranath Tagore and further training at the Uday Shankar Cultural Centre, Almora. He received comprehensive training in various classical forms, learning Kathak from Pandit Sunderlal Gangani, Odissi from Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Bharatanatyam from Guru Rajagopalan, and Kathakali from Guru Kunjnayak Valankada of Malabar. He completed his Kathak (alankar) studies from Gandharv Mahavidalaya Mandal in 1963. Shah was instrumental in popularizing Kathak in Gujarat, pioneering the classical dance form in the region in 1941. He established the Kalakshetra Dance and Music School in Bhavnagar, where he dedicated his life to teaching and nurturing new talent. His commitment to dance was recognized when he entered the Limca Book of World Records in 2015 as the oldest dance teacher at the age of 96. Known for his tireless efforts, he taught students of all ages, from five-year-olds to elderly learners. His profound impact was evident at his funeral, where over 150 of his female students performed a dance tribute around his body. Shah was married but had no children. Awards & Honours: Gaurav Purashkar (1989), Limca Book of World Records (Oldest Dance Teacher) (2015).