SUNAYANA HAZARILAL

🪔 About

Sunayana Hazarilal, born on July 28, 1938, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, is a distinguished Indian classical Kathak dancer and a leading exponent of the Janakiprasad Gharana, also known as the Banares Gharana. She is reportedly the sole surviving practitioner of this unique and rare style, which emphasizes "Natwari bols" (dance syllables) and intricate heel footwork. Sunayana Hazarilal began her classical dance training at an early age in Mumbai. She received her Kathak tutelage under Guru Hazarilal, a renowned exponent of the Benaras Jankiprasad Gharana and a student of Nritya Samrat Ashaque Hussain. She also pursued training in Bharatanatyam under Shri Chandrashekhar Pillay and vocal music from Shri GoD. Agni and Shri Sharat Chandm Arolka. Throughout her career, which spans several decades, Hazarilal has captivated audiences with her graceful movements, intricate footwork, and emotive expressions, particularly excelling in abhinaya. She has performed extensively across India, the UK, European countries, the USA, Canada, and the Middle East, conducting numerous workshops globally, including in New York, San Francisco, Raleigh, Turin, Antwerp, and Brussels. In 1990, she served as a visiting faculty member at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Sunayana Hazarilal is the Director of the Natawari Dance Academy and heads the Kathak division of the Sangeet and Nartan Shiksha Peeth at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai, where she has been training students since 1974. She has also conducted extensive research on the genealogy of the Janakiprasad Gharana and published articles on the subject. Her dedication to preserving and promoting this ancient dance form has earned her widespread recognition and numerous prestigious awards. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2023), Padma Shri (2011), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2003), Abhinayan Kala Saraswati, Maharashtra Gaurav Award (2004), Maharashtra State Cultural Award (1994), Kalidas Samman, Sringar Mani, Nritya Sharda, Life time Achievement Award (2015).