Damayanti Joshi

Damayanti joshi is an outstanding Kathak dancer of the older generation. Born in 1932 in Mumbai, she was initially trained under the guidance of Madam Menaka, a dance pioneer, and Sita Ram Prasad. Later she was a student of Pandit Achhan Maharaj, Lachu Maharaj and Shambhu Maharaj of the Lucknow gharana and Guru Hiratal of the jaipur gharana. A member of Madam Menaka’s troupe in her early years, Shrimati Damayanti joshi later established herself as a solo Kathak dancer and performed extensively from the late 1950s. Shrimati Damayanti Joshi’s kathak is known for its grce and Lyricism. A leisurely elaboration of that in vilambit and ati vilambit laya, rendition of the various nritta pieces with economy of movement restrained abhinaya are the hallmark of her art. Her depiction of Nayika-bhed and her dance compositions based on Dhrupad, Khayal, Tappa, Hori, Thumri, Natya Sangeet, Haveli Sangeet etc., have enriched the repertoire of Kathak.

Shrimati Damayanti Joshi has taught Kathak at Indira Kala vishwaidyalaya, Khairagarh, and Kathak Kendra, Lucknow. She has also been associated with various institutions as dance advisor, selector and examiner. She has been honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1968) and the Padma Shri (1970).