Krishan Mohan Mishra Maharaj

🪔 About

Krishan Mohan Mishra Maharaj is a distinguished Indian classical Kathak dancer, choreographer, and guru, representing the illustrious Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin gharana. Born on September 20, 1954, he hails from a direct hereditary lineage of the Maharaj family of Kathak. He is the eldest son of the revered Kathak maestro Pt. Shambhu Maharaj ji, whom the world recognized as "Abhinaya Samarat." Pt. Krishan Mohan Mishra began his rigorous training in Kathak from his father during his childhood and commenced performing at the tender age of eight, sharing the stage with his father. Following the untimely demise of his father in 1970, when he was just 16, he continued his dance education, specializing under the world-renowned Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj ji at prestigious institutions like Sri Ram Bhartiya Kala Kendra and Kathak Kendra in New Delhi. His career is dedicated to performance, choreography, and teaching. He serves as a Senior Guru at Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, a national institution for Kathak dance, where he is involved in advanced training and mentorship. He is particularly recognized for his group choreographies, which often feature structured classical works like Tarana, frequently set to music composed by his father. His work consistently reflects the continuity of repertoire, style, and pedagogy within the Lucknow gharana. Beyond his dance prowess, Pt. Krishan Mohan Mishra is also a gifted percussionist, proficient in playing instruments such as tabla, pakhawaj, and various folk drums. He utilized these skills to overcome financial challenges after his father's passing, performing in numerous musical and cultural programs. He is an outstanding artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and an A-grade artist of Delhi Doordarshan. He has extensively toured both within India and internationally, contributing significantly to the global propagation of Kathak. He has successfully trained a considerable number of students who have gone on to become accomplished Kathak dancers at national and international levels. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2025), Nritya Ratan, Gold Medal (1973), Kathak Ambassador, Scholarship.