Latest news with #SanjeetGangani
Hans India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Carrying forward a legacy
From the vibrant town of Gaon Badabar in Churu to global stages across Rome, Bangkok, and Beijing, Sanjeet Gangani, eminent Kathak exponent of the Jaipur Gharana, has embraced his lineage not as a burden, but as a sacred calling. A third-generation dancer from a legendary family of percussionists and performers, Sanjeet grew up in a home alive with the pulse of tabla, pakhawaj, and ghungroos. His journey is not just one of talent—it is a lived inheritance of rhythm, devotion, and tradition. 'From a very young age, I was surrounded by the rhythms of dance and music,' he recalls. 'It never felt like a choice—it was simply my life path.' With icons like his father and guru, Pt. Rajendra Gangani, and inspiration from stalwarts like Sitara Devi and Maharaj Ji, Sanjeet was immersed in Kathak's energy long before he stepped on stage. He vividly remembers watching his father rehearse for hours. 'Every day was different—new chakkars, fresh layakari. Watching him choreograph was a masterclass in creativity,' Sanjeet says. 'That had a profound impact on me. Kathak isn't something I chose—it embraced me. It flows through my veins like breath.' Growing up in such an environment, rhythm wasn't just practice—it was life. 'Our home is filled with music from morning to night. Even my mother recites compositions while cooking,' he laughs. 'Kathak isn't something we do—it's who we are.' Rather than being weighed down by legacy, Sanjeet draws strength from it. 'When you're connected to your roots, there is no weight to bear—only balance,' he says. 'I strive to honour the tradition while letting my own voice take shape within it.' His artistic voice has grown more distinct over the years. 'Your real style begins to emerge when the soul and body become one,' he says. 'Even if you repeat the same composition a hundred times, your perception changes—and so does your dance.' During the pandemic, Sanjeet's artistry reached new depths. 'In that silence, there was only riyaaz. I wasn't dancing for an audience—I was dancing to understand Kathak at its core,' he reflects. 'My father's guidance during that time shaped me, not just as a dancer, but as a thinker.' In 2021, Sanjeet founded Kathak Parampara, a movement rooted in tradition but open to evolution. 'It's more than an institution—it's a living legacy,' he says. 'Students begin with tala and laya, but they're also encouraged to find their voice. Tradition must be preserved with love, practiced with discipline, and carried forward with vision.' Even in a tradition historically perceived as feminine in some circles, Sanjeet never felt out of place. 'In our family, male dancers have always embodied power and veer rasa,' he asserts. 'Kathak holds both strength and grace—it's not bound by gender.' His training in percussion has enriched his choreographic depth. 'The tabla shaped my understanding of rhythm. Movement isn't just about following the beat—it's about conversing with it. That's what I mean when I say, 'We make the rhythm dance to us.'' Sanjeet especially enjoys working with beginners. 'Teaching those with no prior training is like painting on a fresh canvas,' he says. But he cautions aspiring dancers against expecting quick mastery. 'What they see on stage is years—decades—of sadhana. Kathak isn't just choreography—it's a way of life.' Globally, his performances have transcended language barriers. 'I performed in China, where the audience had never seen Kathak. Afterward, a little girl came up to me and said, 'I understood the story.' That reminded me—emotion, rhythm, and energy speak universally.' If he weren't a dancer? 'I would've been a tabla player,' Sanjeet smiles. 'Rhythm has always been my foundation.' Above all, Sanjeet carries forward one lesson from his father that continues to guide him: 'Honesty in your art, punctuality in life, and faith in karma will take you further than anything else. Let your work speak for you—don't chase the result.' In every step, every chakkar, every sum—Sanjeet Gangani isn't just performing Kathak. He's living it, preserving its essence while shaping its future.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kathak dancer Sanjeet Gangani and troupe captivate audiences at Nritya Sangeet Mahotsav
Sanjeet Gangani, troupe present Kathak recital at Nritya Sangeet Mahotsav 2025 Kathak exponent Sanjeet Gangani presented a solo and group recital on May 6 at Nritya Sangeet Mahotsav 2025 , a three-day festival of Indian classical music and dance . The event was organised by the GKG Foundation in association with Pracheen Kala Kendra. A senior artiste of the Jaipur Gharana and disciple of Pandit Rajendra Gangani, he led the second day's proceedings with a solo performance marked by technique, control and interpretative depth. Gangani was joined by his troupe- Kritika Dutt, Khushboo Arora, Preeti Sheware, Rahul Parihar, Hitesh Parihar, Bhumika Chaudhary, Yashika Bisht, Yashika Sethi, Priyanka Bajaj whose coordinated movements reflected rigorous training and adherence to tradition. Operation Sindoor 'Op Sindoor's precision & execution was unimaginable': Rajnath Singh Operation Sindoor: India repels drone, missile attack across LoC Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list Their presentation underlined the pedagogical link between guru and shishya. The performance showcased link between the guru and shishya The performance was supported by a team of musicians. Shri Malhar Mahavir on tabla maintained rhythm with precision, Shri Shahnawaz Ali on sarangi added melodic layers, while Shri Vinod Gangani on harmonium and Shri Bhavani Devda as vocalist provided the musical framework. Speaking after the recital, Gangani said, "The energy of the performance still pulses through me—an evening filled with rhythm, grace, and dedication. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn How Smart Traders Use Data to Navigate Volatile Markets News Portal Try Now When the audience rose for a standing ovation, it was more than just applause; it was a moment of deep connection, recognition of the love and effort we poured into every beat and movement. With deep gratitude, we thank the audience for their unwavering love and support for classical dance. My students and I have walked this path with discipline and devotion, and this is just the beginning. Kathak is not just dance—it is storytelling, an art that speaks to the soul. This journey has only begun." The Mahotsav featured artistes from across the country and included recitals, lecture-demonstrations and discussions aimed at engaging audiences with classical traditions.
Hindustan Times
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on 6 May 2025
What: Delhi Nritya & Sangeet Mahotsav | Sanjeet Gangani & Troupe (Kathak) Where: Triveni Kala Sangam, 205, Tansen Marg, Mandi House When: May 6 Timing: 6pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Mandi House (Blue & Violet Lines) What: Roop Aroop Where: Dhoomimal Gallery, G-42, Connaught Circus, Connaught Place When: April 26 to May 23 Timing: 11am to 7pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk (Blue & Yellow Lines) What: Lusophone Film Fest | Súlu S'Áua Where: CD Deshmukh Auditorium, India International Centre, 40 Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Road When: May 6 Timing: 5pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh (Yellow Line) What: Jo Bolta Hai Wohi Hota Hai ft Harsh Gujral Where: The Laugh Store, CyberHub, Sector 24, Gurugram When: May 6 Timing: 7pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Cyber City (Rapid Metro)
