Geetanjali Lal

🪔 About

Geetanjali Lal, born Geetanjali Desai on November 5, 1948, in Baroda, Gujarat, is a highly acclaimed Indian Kathak dancer, choreographer, and guru. Her artistic journey began at an early age, receiving formal training in Hindustani Classical music from her father, Rajnikant Desai, a vocalist and disciple of Ustad Faiyaz Khan of the Agra Gharana. She commenced her Kathak training at the age of six under the tutelage of distinguished danseuse Roshan Kumari. Further honing her skills, she trained with Kathak stalwarts such as Pandit Gopi Krishna, Shri Mohan Rao Kallianpurkar, and Pandit Devi Lal of the Jaipur Gharana, whom she later married. Geetanjali Lal is renowned for her captivating performances, which showcase the intricate footwork (laykaari) and expressive storytelling (abhinaya) characteristic of the Jaipur Gharana. She has performed extensively at national and international dance festivals for over four decades. Her career highlights include serving as the Chief of Repertory and Director of Kathak Kendra, the National Institute of Kathak Dance in New Delhi, from 2009 to 2012. She is also a top-grade artist of Doordarshan and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Beyond performing, Geetanjali Lal is a dedicated educator and choreographer. She founded and directs the Devi Durga Kathak Sansthan. Her innovative choreographies often blend traditional elements with contemporary themes, such as her imaginative works inspired by the Kutch earthquake, the 9/11 attacks, and the popular TV show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'. She has also choreographed numerous Kathak dance ballets, including 'Meghdoot' and Rabindranath Tagore's 'Chitrangada'. Her commitment to nurturing young talent has produced many accomplished Kathak dancers, ensuring the continuity of this rich artistic heritage. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2007), Nritya Sharada, Natya Kala Shree, Bharat Gaurav, Kala Shiromani, Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award, Kalpana Chawla Award, Jjijabai Women Achievers Award, Acharya Kala Vipanchee.