Lachhu Maharaj

🪔 About

Pandit Bajinath Prasad, famously known as Pandit Lachhu Maharaj (October 16, 1901 – July 19, 1978), was an acclaimed Indian classical dancer and choreographer specializing in the Lucknow gharana of Kathak dance. Born in Lucknow, India, he hailed from a distinguished lineage of Kathak exponents. He was the son of Pandit Kalka Prasad and received extensive training from his paternal uncle, Pandit Bindadin Maharaj, a renowned court dancer of the Nawabs of Awadh, for nearly ten years. He also learned the Pakhawaj, Tabla, and Hindustani Classical vocal music, enriching his understanding of rhythm and melody. Lachhu Maharaj began performing at the age of ten and later moved to Mumbai, where he significantly contributed to the emerging Hindi film industry. He choreographed iconic dance sequences in numerous films, including *Mahal* (1949), *Mughal-e-Azam* (1960), *Chhoti Chhoti Baten* (1965), and *Pakeezah* (1972), as well as *Kale Badal* (1951), *Shikwa* (1974), and *Ghar Ki Laj* (1979). Beyond cinema, he choreographed several ballets such as *Goutam Buddha*, *Chandravali*, *Bharatiya Kissan*, and *Megh Malhar*. He was instrumental in institutionalizing Kathak training, founding the Nutan Nritya Niketan in Mumbai and serving as the founder-director of the Kathak Kendra in Lucknow, established by the Uttar Pradesh government. His efforts helped preserve and propagate the Lucknow Gharana's elegant and expressive style. Lachhu Maharaj was the paternal uncle and one of the gurus of the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj, ensuring the continuity of his family's rich Kathak legacy. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1957), President's Award (1957).