Mumbai’s classical dance community is set to witness an exceptional event as the Ninad Center for Performing Arts, in association with Nalanda Nrityakala Mahavidyalaya, presents a two-day intensive Kathak workshop by Guru Dr. Suchitra Harmalkar, one of the foremost exponents of the Raigadh Gharana, on 14th and 15th June 2025 at Kanak Sabhagriha, Nalanda Nrityakala Mahavidyalaya, Juhu.
For the first time in Mumbai, students will have the rare opportunity to learn authentic compositions of the Raigadh Gharana from Dr. Harmalkar, a senior disciple of Pt. Kartikram ji and Padmashree Pt. Ramlal ji, two of the most revered torchbearers of this tradition.
Raigadh Gharana: A Jewel in the Kathak Tradition
The Raigadh Gharana is known for its devotional depth, graceful movements, and a unique blend of abhinaya (expressive storytelling) with intricate rhythmic patterns. While less widely taught than other gharanas, it offers a rich and nuanced repertoire that reflects the spiritual and aesthetic ethos of Kathak in its purest form.
Guru Dr. Suchitra Harmalkar: Preserving a Living Legacy
A distinguished guru and performer from Indore, Dr. Suchitra Harmalkar is widely respected for her dedication to the Raigadh tradition. Her work spans decades of performance, pedagogy, and preservation. Her style is marked by its clarity of expression, spiritual intensity, and authenticity, making her an ideal mentor for serious Kathak practitioners.
A Dialogue Across Traditions: Special Interaction Session
The workshop will also feature an open interactive conversation with Dr. Suchitra Harmalkar and Dr. Uma Rele, Principal of Nalanda Nrityakala Mahavidyalaya. This session will explore the pedagogical nuances, historical evolution, and aesthetic philosophy of the Raigadh Gharana, offering participants valuable insight into the living traditions of Kathak.
Dr. Tina Tambe and Ninad Center for Performing Arts
The workshop is being organized by Ninad Center for Performing Arts, a Mumbai-based institution founded by Dr. Tina Tambe, herself a noted Kathak exponent and respected guru. Through Ninad, Dr. Tambe has been tirelessly working to promote classical dance traditions, provide platforms for students and young dancers, and facilitate learning opportunities with renowned masters from various gharanas. Her initiative to bring Dr. Harmalkar to Mumbai underscores her commitment to broadening the artistic exposure of her students and the wider Kathak fraternity.
Speaking about the workshop, Dr. Tambe shared, “It is my dream to expose our students to the wide range of Kathak traditions beyond the mainstream. Hosting Dr. Harmalkar ji is an honour for us. I invite all Kathak learners to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”
Registration Details
The workshop will take place on 14th and 15th June 2025 at Kanak Sabhagriha, Nalanda Nrityakala Mahavidyalaya, Juhu, Mumbai.
For registration and further information, interested participants may CLICK HERE to register.
This unique initiative by Ninad Center for Performing Arts and Nalanda Nrityakala Mahavidyalaya is more than a workshop—it is an invitation to delve into a lesser-known but profoundly beautiful Kathak tradition, under the guidance of a living master.
