Smriti Nandan, a legendary Kathak dancer

Smriti Nandan, a legendary Kathak dancer, and teacher, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired generations of dancers. She was a disciple of Pandit Birju Maharaj and was known for her expertise in both the Lucknow and Jaipur gharanas of Kathak. Smriti Nandan’s career spanned over six decades, during which she performed on some of the most prestigious stages in India and around the world. She was a recipient of several awards, including the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, for her contribution to the field of dance.

As a teacher, Smriti Nandan was known for her ability to inspire and nurture young talent. She trained countless students over the years, many of whom went on to become successful dancers in their own right. Her teaching style was rooted in the traditional Guru-Shishya parampara, which emphasizes a close bond between teacher and student. Smriti Nandan was also a pioneer in the use of multimedia technology in dance. She created several multimedia productions, combining traditional Kathak dance with modern technology and visual effects. These productions were highly acclaimed and helped to bring Kathak to new audiences around the world.

Re-reported from the story originally published in The New Indian Express