Rani Khanum

🪔 About

Rani Khanam is a distinguished Indian Kathak dancer, choreographer, and guru, celebrated for her sensitive and insightful interpretations of the Lucknow Gharana. With over three decades of professional experience, she trained under eminent maestros including Ustad Fattan Khan, Smt. Reba Vidyarthi, and Pt. Birju Maharaj, graduating with top honors from Kathak Kendra, New Delhi. Khanam has developed a unique style deeply rooted in tradition, yet reflecting a profound understanding of Kathak. She is particularly known for her pioneering work in creating choreographies based on Islamic verses and Sufiana poetry, drawing from her intimate knowledge of Islamic and Sufi texts. As a prolific choreographer, Rani Khanam has created over 200 productions, many of which address critical social issues such as women's rights, gender equality, HIV/AIDS awareness, and disability inclusion, exemplified by her critically acclaimed works like “Black and White” and “SHIVER”. She is the founder of AAMAD Dance Centre (also known as Aamad Performing Arts Center), an NGO established in 1996 in Delhi, dedicated to the propagation of Kathak and recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and ICCR. She previously served as a Kathak Guru at Shri Ram Bhartiya Kala Kendra, Delhi, from 1993 to 1998. Khanam is an empanelled artist in the “Outstanding Category” of the ICCR and a “Top Graded” artiste at Delhi Doordarshan. She has collaborated with Sufi musicians and dancers internationally and hails from Gopalganj, Bihar. Awards & Honours: Women Achievement Award (2022), National Integration Award (2017), Loreal Femina Women Award (2014), India Foundation Award, Fellowship for research work in Bhav Batana, Choreography Award.