Jagdish Sundarlal Gangani

🪔 About

Jagdish Sundarlal Gangani is a distinguished Kathak maestro and a torchbearer of the Jaipur Gharana, renowned for his intricate footwork, complex rhythmic structures, and dynamic energy. He is the son and successor of the legendary Kathak exponent Pandit Sundarlal Gangani, who was instrumental in establishing Kathak in Vadodara (Baroda) in 1951 and served as the founder-professor of the Department of Kathak at Maharaja Sayajirao University for four decades. Following in his father's footsteps, Jagdish Gangani also serves as a professor in the Department of Kathak at M.S. University, Vadodara, continuing the rich family legacy. He is celebrated for his unparalleled passion for teaching, meticulously crafting immersive sessions that impart the nuances of the Jaipur Gharana, including Upaj, layakaris, bols, and intricate footwork. His artistry extends beyond performance to pedagogy and curation, with his disciples spread across various geographies, carrying the imprint of his rigorous training and aesthetic clarity. Pandit Jagdish Gangani is the founder of the Kathak Darshan Charitable Trust, an institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of classical arts. Through this trust, he organizes the annual "Pt. Sundarlal Gangani Kathak Nritya Mahotsav," a prestigious festival that has been running for over two decades, honoring his father's contributions and featuring renowned Kathak stalwarts. This festival, which was in its 23rd year as of March 2025 and 24th year as of April 2026, transforms Vadodara into a vibrant hub for Kathak, fostering an unbroken lineage of dedication and artistry. His significant contributions to Indian classical dance were recognized with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Kathak in the 2022-2023 cycle. Among his notable students are Preeti Sathe Damle, a faculty member and soloist, and his son, Durgesh Gangani, who is poised to carry forward the family's illustrious Kathak tradition. Jagdish Gangani's profound command over taal and his ability to seamlessly merge abhinaya with technical prowess make him a pivotal figure in the contemporary Kathak landscape. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2022).