Guru Ram Lal

🪔 About

Pandit Ramlal Bareth, born on March 6, 1936, in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, is a revered figure in Indian classical dance, particularly known as the foremost exponent of the Raigarh style of Kathak. His early training began at the tender age of four under the tutelage of his father, the renowned Kathak guru Pt. Kartikram, who was a prominent dancer at the Raigarh court. He also received comprehensive training in Kathak dance, tabla, and vocal music at the Raigarh court, guided by both his father and Pt. Jailal Maharaj. Pt. Ramlal Bareth dedicated his life to the evolution and preservation of the Raigarh Kathak style, which has since become recognized as the Raigarh Kathak Gharana, celebrated for its distinctive compositions. His career spanned over six decades, during which he performed extensively at numerous prestigious music conferences and festivals. He served as an artist in the Social Welfare Department from 1956 to 1980. Later, from 1981 to 2011, he held the position of Kathak Guru at Chakradhar Nritya Kendra in Bhopal. He also contributed as a Reader at Indira Kala Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Khairagarh, and served as an examiner for various esteemed music institutes and universities. Throughout his illustrious career, Pt. Ramlal Bareth trained hundreds of disciples, many of whom have become accomplished performers and exponents of the Raigarh Kathak style both in India and abroad. He actively participated in numerous Kathak workshops and seminars, sharing his profound knowledge and teaching the unique techniques of the Raigarh Kathak dance style. He also co-authored the book “Raigarh mein Kathak” with his father. He is celebrated as a living legend of Kathak and the sole surviving Kathak dancer associated with the esteemed Raigarh court. Awards & Honours: Padma Shri (2024), Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) (2024).