On the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, Ninad Center for Performing Arts pays a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Guru Pt. Durga Lal ji, the iconic exponent of the Jaipur Gharana of Kathak, through the 23rd edition of its much-respected Ninad Concert Series. The concert is scheduled on Sunday, 13th July 2025 at 7:45 PM at Ravindra Natya Mandir (Mini Auditorium), Prabhadevi, Mumbai.
This special evening will bring together three generations of disciples trained in the lineage of Pt. Durga Lal ji, in a rare presentation that celebrates the timeless power of the guru-shishya parampara.
The event will commence with a screening of “Nirvana Through Dance”, a short film chronicling the artistic journey and spiritual depth of Pt. Durga Lal ji, whose contribution to the Jaipur Gharana continues to inspire dancers across India. Renowned for his dazzling footwork, soulful abhinaya, and musical precision, Pt. Durga Lal shaped Kathak into a form of spiritual and aesthetic elevation. The film is produced by Smt Uma Dogra and directed by Ms Indrayanee Mukherjee.
Following the film, the concert will feature captivating Kathak performances by:
- Vidushi Uma Dogra, Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee and one of Pt. Durga Lal ji’s most senior Gandabandh Shishyas, who has devoted her life to performing and teaching Kathak in its purest Jaipur form.
- Dr. Tina Tambe, a distinguished Kathak exponent and disciple of Vidushi Uma Dogra, known for her dynamic stage presence and deep commitment to nurturing young dancers through rigorous training and mentorship.
- Ninad Group, featuring the talented disciples of Dr. Tambe, representing the youngest generation in this vibrant artistic legacy.
Accompanying the dancers will be a stellar ensemble of musicians, featuring Shri Satyaprakash Mishra on tabla, Shri Vaibhav Mankad on vocal and harmonium, and Shri Sandeep Mishra on sarangi.
Expressing her sentiments on the event, Smt. Uma Dogra notes, “This is the way Parampara grows. When Shagird takes the reign in their hands and takes the legacy ahead. In true sense it’s guru-Shishya Parampara. My good wishes and blessings to my disciple Dr Tina Tambe.”
Speaking ahead of the performance, Dr. Tina Tambe shared her thoughts “This concert is a sacred offering to the memory of Pt. Durga Lal ji. As a disciple of Vidushi Uma Dogra ji, I feel deeply privileged to represent a lineage that is rooted in discipline, aesthetics, and devotion. Sharing the stage with my guru and my students on Guru Purnima is both an emotional and spiritual culmination of our collective journey.”
The event is generously supported by the Maya Somaiya School of Music and Performing Arts, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, which offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Diploma programmes in Indian classical dance, vocal, and instrumental music. The school’s vision of holistic and heritage-based performing arts education aligns seamlessly with Ninad’s mission to bring classical traditions closer to audiences.
Since 2010, the Ninad Concert Series has featured over 90 eminent and emerging artists in 22 concerts. With a unique commitment to supporting young performers through honorariums and visibility, Ninad continues to nurture a culturally rich and spiritually resonant platform for Indian classical arts.
Concert is open to all and interested attendees may book through the WhatsApp to +917715012000. Come, be a part of this evocative celebration of Kathak and the eternal legacy of Pt. Durga Lal ji.
