About Pandit Shyamal Maharaj :

 
ABOUT PANDIT SHYAMAL MAHARAJ
(DIRECTOR OF THE TROUPE) :
Pandit  Shyamal Maharaj is a famous name in the field of Kathak dance & a renowned Guru. He is the loving disciple of Late Pandit Shambhu Maharaj and Pandit Birju Maharaj (Kathak), Sri Haridas Nayar (Kathakali), and Amubi Singh (Manipuri). He is an ex-student of Vishwa-Bharati University, Santiniketan  He was awarded Vishwa-Bharati Merit .Scholarship and National Scholarship (Indian Cultural Trust) by Vishwa-Bharati and pro­ceeded to 'Kathak Kendra' (Sangit Natak Academy) at New Delhi for furtherance of studies and development of dances. There he stood first in Degree Examination Apart from the Kathak dance style Pandit Shyamal Maharaj has also been successful in establishing himself in the field of other various classical styles. He has Performed dance  programmes almost through­out INDIA and abroad during his association with various eminent and worth mentioning dance organisations viz. Bharatiya Kala Kendra and Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, Uday Shankar Ballet Unit, Santiniketan Asramik Sangha, Indian Revival Group etc. On more than one occasions he has performed different types of dances at 'Kolkata Doordarshan' in troupes, as well as in solo programmes.
He is also a famed name in opening a new vista as a performer of Tabla and Pakhwaj' to a number of dance" programmes.
At present Pandit Shyamal Maharaj is attached to a number of famous music and drama organisations at Kolkata and also the Principal of "Gandharbalok Kala Kendra". Besides all these, his highest aim in life is to train up many dance students in Bengal, so that they can acquire best proficiency in the Lucknow Dance Gharana and also experiments in envolving new styles of presenting various dance/dramas. A good number of disciples of Pandit Shyamal Maharaj have been able to prove their abilities in the field of Kathak and were awarded first prizes by the various ALL INDIA Institutions.. Pandit Shyamal Maharaj has also written a book " NRITYER ANGINAY KATHAK" (IN BENGALI) & "THE DANCE"(IN ENGLISH). He is the examiner of M.Mus of various universities of Kathak dance. He is an outstanding trainer and Guru. An audio CD of “OM KRISHNA” (IN HINDI) released from Atlantis music Company under the guidance of Pandit Shyamal Maharaj sung by renowned Indian Singers.
 
   About Gitali Basu Aich:

Gitali Basu Aich is a highly accomplished Indian Classical dancer, with specialization in Odissi and Kathak Dance Since childhood she showed her flare for dance and music. Recognizing her talents in performing arts. Gitali's parents encouraged her to pursue any Indian Classical Dance. Gitali chose Kathak and Odissi. A sensitive and fully committed artiste, she felt that "............the spirit and rhythm of Kathak and Odissi could guide me to unfold numerous mysteries of Indian Classical dance", In the light of the quality of her performance it can reasonably be concluded that a more magnificent future is awaiting for her. She is the beloved disciple of Guru Pt hyamal Maharaj and Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra. After her graduation, Gitali has achieved a master's Degree from Pracheen Kala Kendra Chandigarh and Bhatkhande Sangtt Vidyapith, Lucknow and secured the highest marks and was awarded a Gold Medel. With 30 years of dedication to Odissi and Kathak dance study, performance and teaching, Gitali brings an artist's perspective and boundless energy to her work.

As a teacher Gitali is dedicated in her work. She was the head of the Dept  of Dance and Music of " G D Birla Centre for Education ", a renowed education institution of Calcutta for last 26 years. At present she is woking in Delhi Public school (Ruby Prak, Kolkata) as a Head of the Department of Dance successfully. Her choregraphy is excellent and her teaching is known for its discipline, consistency and Joyous approach.

In many parts of  India she performed solo Kathak and Odissi dance and also participated in various solo and group performances at Kala  Mandir, Rabindra Sadan, Gyan Manch, Sisir Manch, Birla Sabhaghar. Netaji Indoor Stadium in  Calcutta. She is the  Solo TV Artist of both the styles (Kathak  and Odissi) she worked in a tele serial "GHUNGUR'as a joint director along with her husband Pandit Shyamal Maharaj. Gitali has also achieved Visharad degree in Tabla with distinction marks from Pracheen kala Kendra, Chandigarh. She has a very high proficiency in Tabla recital. Gitali Dreams of training a new brand of Odissi experts, who will be able to share her creative experiences and look beyond the traditional dance techniques to express Odissi's meanings and significance in her capacity as a dance teacher. Gitali has displayed exemplary talent in mass choreography in programmes entitled "SPECTRUM" involving hundreds of school children. This has been applauded and shown in many TV. programmes .

  • Gitali as Radha gave a good account of her knowledge of kathak Dance .......... The Stateman.
  • Her footwork and body movement is excellent ....... Amrita Bazar Patrika.
  • Trained under the able teacher Gitali displayed grace. matual understaning as well as prefection .............. The Stateman.