Manjusree Chatterjee

🪔 About

Born on May 14, 1941, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), Manjusree Chatterjee is a distinguished Indian classical Kathak dancer and teacher, widely recognized for her unwavering commitment to the traditional purity of the art form. She commenced her initial Kathak training under Nalin Kumar Ganguly. Her profound understanding and mastery of Kathak were subsequently shaped by two legendary gurus: Shambhu Maharaj of the Lucknow gharana, with whom she studied intensively from 1959 until his passing in 1970, and Guru Sunder Prasad, representing the dynamic Jaipur school of Kathak. This dual training allowed her to integrate the fluid grace of Lucknow with the more vigorous elements of Jaipur. Beyond dance, Chatterjee also pursued studies in Hindustani vocal music with Anupam Ghatak, Rabindrasangeet from Bimal Bhushan, and honed her skills in poetry recitation under Bani Kumar, regularly performing recitations on All India Radio, Calcutta. Throughout her illustrious career, Manjusree Chatterjee has performed extensively at various national festivals and has conducted numerous workshops and lecture-demonstrations both in India and internationally, sharing her deep knowledge and artistry. She is particularly renowned for her clear and resonant 'padhant,' a unique Kathak element involving the intricate recitation of percussive notes, a skill she performs with unbelievable clarity and cadence. She is celebrated for her dedication to preserving the traditional purity of the Kathak form, as passed down by her gurus, often emphasizing the 'deep inner core' of the dance over dazzling footwork or contemporary innovations. Chatterjee founded and continues to lead the Kala Vihar dance studio in Kolkata, where she mentors aspiring Kathak dancers, ensuring the transmission of authentic Kathak traditions. She also held a teaching position and later became director at Kala Vihar in Delhi, starting in 1959, creating a vibrant space for the arts. Her significant contributions to Indian classical dance have earned her widespread recognition, including the affectionate and universal title of 'Didiji' within Delhi's dance community, signifying her respected and beloved presence. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2011), Sahitya Kala Parishad Samman (2003), Rashtriya Ekta Award (Rajiv Gandhi Foundation), Padma Shri (2019).