'Dance Gives You Understanding Of Society, Gender': Kathak Artist Sanjeet Gangani

Sanjeet Gangani, a third-generation Kathak doyen, embodies a lineage where tradition and dexterity are embedded in every step. Trained under the tutelage of his legendary father, Pandit Rajendra Kumar Gangani, and the blessings of his grandfather Pandit Kundanlal Gangani, he carries forward an enduring legacy that can transcend eras. Belonging to the Jaipur Gharana, known for its thunderous footwork and intricate rhythmic patterns, he tells a story with each performance—a story from history, a story of the present, and a story to be remembered. 

“I want to build a beautiful bridge that connects generations,” Gangani said, in an interview with SheThePeople. “Growing up, I learnt Kathak with a lot of purity. I built a strong connection with Kathak and could not stay away from it. Now I want to pass that on for the generation moving forward.” With this heartfelt mission, he is taking the timeless aura of Kathak worldwide.

Making of a maestro

Gangani was born into a house where dance was not just an activity, but a way of life. Moreover, growing up in Delhi, art and culture became a constant presence in daily life. "Right from childhood, I have seen Kathak as closely as I can. The first sound I heard in my house was that of Kathak, Ta Thai Thai Tat, and ghungroos (anklets)."

Like most artists from a celebrated lineage, Gangani too faced the rigours of expectation and the weight of legacy. "My father never pressured me to learn Kathak. I fell in love with it organically. However, the pressure came from the audience. Whenever I go on stages where my father or grandfather once performed, people often look at me differently."

However, Gangani makes a strong case for new-gen artists. "Honestly, we practice our art with so much devotion. Everyone has their own journey, their own creativity. Every artist brings something new. We should rather focus on that."

Classical artists are revered for their resilience and discipline, but for Gangani, Kathak is more than a ritual; It is a meditative commitment. "No matter which pain you are going through, and no matter what is happening around you, you have to practice your art form. It's called karat vidya, which means knowledge that comes only by doing, not just watching."

On the intricacies of Jaipur Gharana

Sanjeet Gangani explained that the speciality of Jaipur Gharana lies in its preparation and precision. "There is a lot of technical, complex footwork. Jaipur Gharana is known for its speed and rhythm. The chakkar (spins), which have become a hallmark of Kathak, are the special features of Jaipur Gharana. This takes years of practice to perfect."

Jaipur Gharana is deeply influenced by the royal history and cultural vibrance of Rajasthan, Gangani said. "In Kathak, there is a movement called aamad, in which the wrist movement is similar to the motion of warriors swinging their swords. This is an example of how art is so deeply influenced by the valour and heritage of Jaipur," he described.

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Kathak's influence on personality, gender, and worldview

Gangani mentioned that the Jaipur Gharana is also known for its graceful renditions of mythological tales, bringing to life the stories of deities, saints, and legendary heroes. This emotive storytelling has the power to transcend mere performance, shaping the dancer’s personality and deepening the connection to their identity.

Kathak is an expression of both feminine and masculine energies, and Gangani believes that this has a profound impact on how dancers understand societal roles, thus building empathy. "In Kathak, there are two branches, Tandav and Lasya. Tandav goes for the masculinity like power and strength, while lasya goes for femininity like grace and elegance."

"I have seen many female dancers performing so fast, so powerfully. And I have seen male dancers show feminine expressions like imitating a woman's ghoonghat (veil) or her walk. To express both masculinity and femininity, a dancer has to really understand the genders and the depth of their feelings and behaviour. I believe this knowledge is very necessary in today's society."

Sanjeet Gangani is a firm believer in the idea that art and knowledge go hand in hand. "People think that dance is different and education is different. Many parents make their children discontinue dancing because their exams are nearing or something. But I believe that art improves your education. It can teach you many things about life."