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 Unravelling the nuances of Jaipur Gharana with Pt. Jagdish Gangani - Bijoy Shivram e-mail: bijoyshivram@gmail.com Photo credit: Vanraj Barad April 9, 2025 JG College of Performing Arts had the honour of hosting an intensive one-day workshop at the college in Ahmedabad by the esteemed Kathak maestro, Pt. Jagdish Gangani, a distinguished torchbearer of the Jaipur Gharana, in Vadodara. With an unparalleled passion for teaching, the revered guru infused the session with boundless energy, leaving a lasting mark on the eager and receptive students.  The workshop was a treasure trove of Kathak's rich tradition, meticulously crafted by Pt. Gangani's immersive teaching. He guided students through a shloka on Goddess Durga - Sada Bhavani Dayani, a soul-stirring composition of his father, the legendary Pt. Sunderlal Gangani. With unwavering precision, he imparted intricate rhythmic nuances, demonstrating Upaj, layakaris, various bols and the exquisite nikas of footwork intrinsic to the Jaipur Gharana. The students were introduced to traditional bandish compositions, including the Ek Hati Paran, a masterful piece performed using a single hand, and the concept of Bant, an age-old theoretical and practical approach steeped in the prachin ang of Kathak. Further enriching the experience, he delved into the subtleties of toda and tihai structures, explaining their mathematical precision and aesthetic appeal. The session also explored the variations of chakkars and the importance of controlled footwork, emphasizing the distinctive ghunghroo ka kaam unique to the Jaipur Gharana. Students were encouraged to imbibe the essence of these elements not only technically but also with the emotive depth, that characterizes the style. The musical accompaniment played an equally vital role in the immersive experience, with Joby Joy on tabla and Dipesh Suthar on vocals and harmonium matching the maestro's verve and dedication. Pt. Gangani's senior disciple, Preeti Sathe Damle, provided valuable assistance, ensuring that every aspect of the training retained its depth and authenticity. The resonance of the taal, the syllabic precision of padhant and the seamless coordination between movement and music created an atmosphere of heightened artistic fervour. A gathering of 27 students from Pune, Gujarat, Riyadh and Mauritius bore witness to Pt. Gangani's masterful pedagogy. His command over tala, fluency in padhant and unflagging energy remain a testament to his relentless sadhana and decades of unwavering riaz. Even today, he does not hesitate to rise and demonstrate with full vigour, embodying the ethos of a true guru.  As the workshop concluded, Pt. Jagdish Gangani shared a heart-warming revelation: having spent 70 years in Vadodara, this workshop marked his first-ever invitation to Ahmedabad for such an event - an unprecedented milestone facilitated by JG College of Performing Arts. His elation was palpable, a reminder that art continues to bridge gaps, open new avenues and deepen the bonds between generations of dancers. Born into a lineage of illustrious Kathak exponents, Pt. Jagdish Gangani has upheld the rich tradition of the Jaipur Gharana with unwavering devotion. Renowned for his intricate footwork, complex rhythmic structures, and dynamic energy, he has not only preserved the legacy of his father, Pt. Sunderlal Gangani, but has also evolved it to inspire new generations. His expertise in layakari and his ability seamlessly merging abhinaya with technical prowess make him an unparalleled figure in the realm of Kathak. His artistry is characterized by precision, power, and an innate ability to engage audiences with his rhythmic virtuosity and emotive storytelling. A devoted disciple of Pt. Jagdish Gangani, Preeti Sathe Damle stands as a formidable artiste and a dedicated teacher of Kathak. With years of rigorous training under her guru, she has imbibed the essence of the Jaipur Gharana's technique and aesthetics. Her performances exude clarity, grace, and an in-depth understanding of the intricate rhythms that define the Gharana. As an assistant in the workshop, she played a crucial role in ensuring that each student grasped the nuanced teachings of the maestro, embodying the role of a true custodian of tradition. This workshop was more than just an educational session - it was a celebration of tradition, discipline and artistic evolution. It reaffirmed the power of guru-shishya parampara, where knowledge is imparted not merely through instruction but through a deeply immersive experience. The participants departed with an enriched understanding of the Jaipur Gharana, inspired to carry forward its legacy with renewed vigour and devotion.  Son of journalists K Shivram and Amni Shivram, the first Malayali woman English journalist, Bijoy Shivram is an accomplished Indian classical dancer trained in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. A passionate promoter of the arts and a skilled graphic designer, he currently serves as the Vice Principal of JG College of Performing Arts and the Assistant Director (Operations) overseeing 17 JG colleges. He is also the founder of Preksha, an organization dedicated to the promotion of art and culture in Ahmedabad. Since 2020, Bijoy has curated the YouTube series 'Gurudakshina - An Ode to our Gurus,' celebrating the legacy of mentorship and tradition. |
