Internationally celebrated Kathak exponents of the Varanasi Gharana, Nalini and Kamalini Asthana have dedicated their lives to preserving, teaching, and expanding Indian classical dance traditions. Their work combines spirituality, performance, research, education, and cultural awareness.
Senior Kathak Exponent • Varanasi Gharana
Kamalini Asthana is a distinguished Kathak artist whose journey spans over five decades. Trained under Guru Jitendra Maharaj and the traditional temple-style lineage, she developed a style recognized for its elegance, depth, and expressive power.
She expanded Kathak through mythological productions and innovative choreographies, creating powerful interpretations of spiritual and literary themes. Her performances have reached audiences worldwide and contributed significantly to strengthening Kathak traditions.
Through workshops, youth initiatives, and scholarship programs, she encouraged young performers and supported talented students from underprivileged backgrounds. Her educational activities promoted cultural values and artistic awareness among students across India.
Her contributions also include cultural documentation, research projects, dance therapy initiatives, and educational programs integrating dance with social and academic themes. She has received several prestigious honors recognizing her lifelong dedication to Indian arts.
Kathak Scholar • Director • Performer
Nalini Asthana is recognized as an accomplished Kathak artist, scholar, and educator whose work combines artistic expression with educational value. Her performances and teachings bring classical traditions closer to wider audiences.
A disciple of Guru Jitendra Maharaj of Varanasi Gharana, she contributed extensively to spiritual and cultural productions and performed at major religious and cultural centers in India and internationally.
Beyond stage performances, she has worked on research, cultural mapping projects, documentation, and educational initiatives exploring the relationship between dance, yoga, wellness, and social awareness.
As Director of Sangeetka Institute of Performing Arts, she continues to train Indian and international students through the Guru-Shishya tradition and has conducted lecture demonstrations at globally renowned institutions.
Established in 1975, Sangeetka is devoted to preserving and promoting India’s traditional cultural heritage through performing arts, research, and education.
Preserving Art • Culture • Heritage
Sangeetka is a non-profitable cultural organization established in February 1975 under the Society Registration Act XXI of 1860. Since its foundation, the institute has produced scholars, fellowship holders, and talented performers who continue contributing to the field of Indian arts and culture.
The institute actively promotes cultural awareness and indigenous values, especially among youth, while receiving support for research and production activities from the Department of Culture, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.
Promote traditional cultural heritage and support the arts.
Organize demonstrations, stage performances, festivals and educational activities.
Support talented underprivileged students through scholarship and opportunities.
Preserve rare art forms, manuscripts, folklore and musical traditions.
Encourage research and awareness in socio-cultural heritage.
Support rehabilitation and wellbeing through music and dance practices.
Sangeetka follows the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara, introducing the Gurukul style of teaching. The institute aims to create dedicated professionals and preserve the distinct styles of Indian performing arts while strengthening the cultural heritage of India.
Kathak Maestro of the Varanasi Gharana and guiding force behind generations of Kathak artists.
Guru Jitendra Maharaj was a renowned Indian Kathak dancer and maestro of the prestigious Varanasi Gharana. Known for his mastery, artistic excellence, and dedication to the classical traditions of India, he played an important role in preserving and promoting Kathak as a respected art form.
He was honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contribution to Indian performing arts. Apart from his performances and teachings, he also contributed through writings and research in the field of dance.
Guru Jitendra Maharaj guided and inspired many students, including internationally acclaimed Kathak exponents Nalini and Kamalini Asthana. His teachings continue to live through generations of artists carrying forward his vision, values, and devotion to Kathak.