Harish Gangani

🪔 About

Harish Gangani is a distinguished Indian classical Kathak dancer and guru, recognized as one of India's most accomplished exponents of the art form. Hailing from a lineage of traditional Kathak dancers of the Jaipur Gharana, he is the son of the esteemed maestro Pt. Kundanlal Gangani, who is credited with enriching the discipline with new dimensions. The Gangani family's deep roots in Kathak trace back to Kundan Lal Gangani's father, who married into the family of the renowned Kathak dancer Pandit Sundar Prasad. Harish Gangani received his rigorous training under the tutelage of his elder brother and guru, Pt. Rajendra Gangani. He further honed his skills by obtaining a diploma in Kathak from the Kathak Kendra, the National Institute of Kathak Dance in Delhi, where he was also awarded a merit scholarship. His artistic oeuvre is particularly noted for its focus on 'gat nikas' in 'vilambit laya', and his repertoire is rich in 'abhinaya' (expression), 'nritta' (pure dance), music, and choreography. The Jaipur Gharana style, which he embodies, is characterized by its pace, flare, dazzle, grace, and muscularity, emphasizing 'tayyari' or flawlessness. Throughout his illustrious career, Harish Gangani has performed at numerous prestigious festivals across India and internationally, including in the US, UK, France, Switzerland, Mauritius, UAE, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Brazil. He has also engaged in collaborative performances, notably alongside flamenco dancers in Europe. As an educator, he has significantly contributed to the propagation of Kathak, teaching at institutions such as Gandharva Mahavidyalaya (1994-1997) and Shri Ram Bhartiya Kala Kendra, Delhi (1998-1999). He conducted a two-month workshop in Brazil in 1998 and served as a teacher and performer for four years at the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre, attached to the Indian Embassy in Moscow, Russia. Currently, Harish Gangani resides in Gurgaon, where he continues to train aspiring young dancers and teaches Kathak at Kathak Kendra, New Delhi. Awards & Honours: National Scholarship (1994), Junior Fellowship (1996), Shringar Mani.