Urmila Sharma

🪔 About

Urmila Sharma is a distinguished Indian classical dancer and guru, primarily known for her mastery of Kathak. Born in a conservative Brahmin family in Chandausi, Western Uttar Pradesh, her journey into dance began at the age of eight in 1971 after being inspired by a Kathak performance at a cultural event in Allahabad. She commenced her training under Pandit Ram Babu Bhatt and made her stage debut in 1972, receiving significant acclaim. In 1980, she was selected for Kathak Kendra, Delhi, where she received a scholarship and had the privilege of learning under the legendary Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj for two years. Sharma's dance style is a rich amalgamation, showcasing the intricate footwork and graceful chakkars characteristic of the Jaipur Gharana, the sophisticated abhinaya and bhava of the Lucknow Gharana, and the khula naach of the Banaras Gharana. She holds a Sangeet Praveen degree in dance and a Prabhakar in tabla. Her career has seen her serve as dance director at the North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC), Head of Department (HoD) of dance at Prayag Sangeet Samiti, and a teacher-cum-performer at the Indian Cultural Centre in Paramaribo, Surinam. She has performed extensively both in India and internationally. Urmila Sharma is the director of Kathak Kendra in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), an institution she inaugurated with Pandit Birju Maharaj. She is dedicated to nurturing new talent, having taught numerous students, with approximately 150 learning under her tutelage as of 2006. She continues to be an active figure in the classical dance circuit, participating in dialogues and events to promote art and culture. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Academy Award (2005), Shringarmani, Top Grade Kathak Artiste.