28th Vasantotsava 2026: Kathak and Hindustani Classical Presentations at Kamani Auditorium (4 February)

Saswati Sen is a senior Lucknow gharana Kathak dancer, disciple of Birju Maharaj. She performs, teaches, and preserves the tradition.

Devesh Mirchandani is a Kathak dancer, choreographer, and instructor from the Lucknow gharana, trained under Birju Maharaj. He performs, creates, and teaches classical and contemporary dance.

Jaikishan Maharaj is an 8th-gen Lucknow Gharana Kathak dancer, choreographer, and teacher. Son of Birju Maharaj, he teaches at Kathak Kendra.

Krishan Mohan Mishra is a Kathak dancer and choreographer from the Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin gharana, performing, teaching, and creating classical dance works.

Mamta Maharaj, Kathak dancer from Lucknow Gharana, is the first woman in her lineage to perform professionally. Daughter of Pandit Birju Maharaj, she preserves and teaches traditional Kathak.

Sunanda Sharma (b. 1969) is an Indian classical vocalist of the Banaras gharana, trained under Girija Devi, Kishan Maharaj, and Bismillah Khan. She performs khayal, thumri, and semi-classical forms

Vidha Lal, a Jaipur Gharana Kathak exponent, trained under Smt. Geetanjali Lal, won the Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar. Performed globally, ICCR-empanelled, holds a Guinness Record (103 spins/minute)

Luna Poddar is a Kathak dancer trained in Lucknow Gharana since age four. An A-grade Calcutta Doordarshan artist and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, she performs, teaches, and choreographs globally.

Deepak Maharaj, also Deepak M. Sharma, is the successor to his father’s Kathak tradition. He promotes the art globally, blending heritage with modern appeal.