Famous Kathak dancers Nalini–Kamalini Asthana are not just artistes, but a living tradition. Their words reflect not just art, but also a deep understanding of life, the wisdom of time, and true sincerity of soul. Two sisters, one journey, and one art form- something they didn’t just learn, but truly lived, every moment, with every breath.
From Agra to Delhi – A Journey into Adulthood
Nalini and Kamalini Asthana were born in Agra, but they grew up in Delhi. Their father was in the Air Force, so life had more movement than stability. Within a few years of their birth, the family shifted to Delhi, and that city became their home. They received their education in Delhi. School, college, friends, and surroundings, everything was connected to the city.
Still, their bond with Agra never faded. It stayed with them like a fragrance that lingers, even from a distance. They had never thought of becoming professional dancers. In those days, pursuing dance as a career was not very common. It was mostly seen as a hobby. But life often opens doors when we least expect it.
A Mother’s Dream – A Small Spark
Every journey begins somewhere, and theirs began with their mother’s dream. Their mother was connected to arts- she loved literature and used to sing. But she couldn’t achieve what she wanted in her own life. So, she saw that dream for her children. Recounting a childhood incident, Nalini told DNN24 that when Kamalini was young and injured her foot, her mother’s first question to the doctor was, “Will she be able to dance?”
That question reflects the burning intensity of the dream she had nursed for her daughters. Both the sisters were science students. Their thinking was also similar, where arts were not given much importance. But life sometimes brings such moments that completely change a person’s perspective. Once, Nalini fell seriously ill with typhoid. As she lay recovering, she read a poem by Jaishankar Prasad. Those lines opened a whole new world for her- a world of feelings, emotions, and art. That is where their real journey began- of understanding and discovering themselves.
A Guru’s Guidance – When a Hobby Became a Passion
In the beginning, Kathak was just a hobby. A musical environment reigned at home, with great artistes visiting often. But everything changed when they were introduced to their guru, Jitendra Maharaj, who belonged to the Banaras gharana.
Guru Jitendra Maharaj didn’t just teach dance- he taught them how to live. His training was not only about technique, but also about feeling and expression. Slowly, this hobby turned into a deep passion. A passion where you lose track of time, where every movement needs constant practice, and every expression reflects truth. According to Nalini, “To truly understand art, you don’t need just the mind- you need an open heart.”
Banaras Gharana: The Identity of Purity
Kathak has three main gharanas—Banaras, Lucknow, and Jaipur—each known for its own unique style. But the Banaras gharana is considered special. Here, “purity” is most important. The dance is simple, yet deeply spiritual, and it has a unique impact.
Nalini explains that their guru worked to bring Kathak back to its original form- the way it was performed in temples as a form of devotion.
From Temples to the Stage: The Changing Form of Kathak
From the temples, Kathak moved to royal courts, and later to gatherings and stage performances. During the medieval period, vocal forms like ghazal, thumri, and khayal became a part of it. With time, Kathak reached international platforms with grand stages, lights, and choreography.
Earlier, learning meant living with the guru- imbibing, practicing, and growing without any time limit. Even while traveling by train, practice would continue. But today, the focus has shifted to certificates and courses.
Still, the sisters believe that the real test is the audience- it is the audience that decides how capable you truly are. Nalini mentions a memory from the 1970s- a conference in Patna, where thousands of people sat in the rain just to watch the performance. They were united in one aspect- respect for art.
A Journey of 185 International Performances
Their international journey is no less interesting. It began in Paris and then spread across Europe. The first time they performed, they didn’t hear any applause. They felt maybe something was missing in their performance.
But in the end, when the entire hall echoed with applause, and flowers were showered on them, that moment became one of the most special ones of their lives.
They gave around 185 performances and spent about one and a half years abroad, representing Indian culture. Many people overseas didn’t fully know about India. But through their art, they introduced audiences to the real essence of India. They believe, “Stay connected to your roots- only then can you build a true identity.”
Kailash Mansarovar – When Dance Became Devotion
In 2003, when they were offered a chance to visit Kailash Mansarovar, they felt it would be a difficult and expensive journey. But as they say, “When God calls you, the path appears.” Swami Chidanand invited them as his guests, and that became the biggest blessing of the journey.
Whether it was performing at the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal or dancing on the Maharaja’s birthday, every moment felt like an act of devotion. But the most special moment came when, without any prior plans, they tied their ghungroos and performed on the sacred land of Kailash at 18,000 feet. There was no stage- only nature, Lord Shiva, and the true devotion of an artiste. This dance was not for applause, but for inner peace, where every step became a prayer.
The Relationship Between Cinema and Kathak
The connection between Kathak and cinema is old, but films have often missed its true essence. Films like ‘Pakeezah’ and ‘Umrao Jaan’ did showcase Kathak, but most of the time, it was limited to the style of “mujra.” While mujra is also a beautiful form, Kathak’s real identity is much deeper and broader than that.
Kamalini says that in films like ‘Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje’ and ‘Amrapali’, Kathak was presented in its pure and authentic form. In these films, dance was not just a scene—it was the heart of the story.
They believe that cinema did give Kathak recognition, but it could not fully capture its soul. Because until an artiste truly feels the art from within, it remains just movement, it doesn’t become devotion.
Padma Shri 2022 – When the Guru’s Words Came True
That day in 2022 when they learnt of the Padma Shri award is still a special moment in their lives, one that makes them smile even today. The most surprising part was that their guru, Jitendra Maharaj, had already forecast, “This time, you will receive the award.” On that day, they were at their institute, cleaning the idol of Nataraj, just like they did every day. Suddenly, they received a call from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
For a moment, it was hard to believe that they were going to be honored with the Padma Shri award. For them, this award was the result of years of hard work, patience, and true dedication. They believe that when a person truly “deserves” something, the happiness of receiving it is much deeper. They always remember what their guru told them: “First make yourself worthy, then wish for something.”
Institute of Performing Arts – Started in 1975
The “Institute of Performing Arts,” started in 1975, not just as an institution but as an idea. There were very few cultural platforms then, and opportunities for artistes were limited. So, their guru and their father decided to create a place where art could be taught in its true form. The aim of this institute was never to have “more students,” but to have the “right students.” It is not about hobby classes, but about deep and serious training. Every student is carefully observed for their patience, dedication, and understanding. The sisters believe that art cannot just be learned, it has to be lived. That is why the focus here is not on quantity, but on quality.
Saroj Khan – A Story of Respect and Understanding
One evening in Lucknow, a meeting turned into a memorable moment. Nalini and Kamalini met Saroj Khan, a well-known name in Bollywood and the world of dance. When she watched their performance, she was all praise for them. But what stood out the most was the respect she showed for classical dance.
She said, “It is not right to whistle during such art.” This small statement reflected a deeper understanding. Every art form has its own dignity and respect, and it should be seen and appreciated in the right way.
For Nalini–Kamalini, Kathak is not just a dance, but a form of devotion. The teachings of their guru, their mother’s dream, the struggles of their journey, and the beauty of the stage- all these put together have shaped their identity that has only grown stronger with time.
Nalini–Kamalini were in conversation with Nausheen Khan for DNN24’s Diverse Dialogues podcast.
Also Read: Asha Parekh: From Trained Dancer to Screen Icon
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