A masterpiece came alive when two legends of Kathak sat across from each other on a rainy evening in Delhi’s cultural heart, Triveni Kala Sangam. Not even for a minute did anyone blink an eyelid, reach for a phone. The evening was so utterly mesmerising.
An Unscripted Conversation Through Kathak
From the dialogues that travelled back to 1956 to the resonance of ghunghroos, accompanied by the tabla and the rhythmic footwork on stage, it felt like an unscripted conversation unfolding before our eyes, where memories, music and movement flowed naturally into one another.
The Artiste Foundation, popularly known as TAF, has nurtured artistic talent for the past sixteen years. On 7 August 2026, at Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi, it presented one of its most memorable initiatives called Dharohar Samvaad.
The series unfolded as an evening of meaningful dialogue between Guru Urmila Nagar Ji, who even today refuses to call herself a Guru and instead says, ‘I am still a Vidyarthi, a student,’ and Guru Prerna Shrimali Ji, who guided the conversation with warmth and grace as its moderator.
It all began with conversations of Meeta Nagpal with Guru Prerna Shrimali Ji and then they shaped the entire evening. They brought together the artistes, the audience and the shared legacy of Kathak.
Meeta Nagpal, Founder and President of The Artiste Foundation, is a patron of emerging performing artistes, an author, entrepreneur, social worker and Kathak dancer. She has played an important role in encouraging many young artistes. Being deeply rooted in Kathak, she was keen to create a platform where students and lovers of the dance form could experience and absorb the grace and wisdom of Dharohar Samvaad.
After the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, the audience was greeted by Guru Urmila Nagar ji’s soul-stirring voice in the bhakti composition Tumhre Karan Sab Jag Chhoda.
Before you read further, pause for a moment and listen to the recording below. It is more than a song; it is a glimpse into the musical brilliance of a Kathak legend who is also an accomplished Hindustani classical vocalist. You will also hear Guru Prerna Shrimali ji remind us that our greatest gurus are living archives whose stories must be heard and preserved.
Guru Urmila ji had first presented this composition publicly in 1974, when the legendary Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia introduced her as a vocalist.
“The legends who still walk among us are living archives.”
~ Guru Prerna Shrimali Ji ~
Remembering Guru Kundan Lal Gangani
TAF, in association with Kalaavart, chose this occasion to celebrate the birth centenary of Guru Kundan Lal Gangani Ji, one of the towering figures of the Jaipur Gharana.
Born on 16 July 1926 to Pandit Ganeshi Lal Ji of the illustrious Gangani family, he was the Guru of both Guru Urmila Nagar and Guru Prerna Shrimali.
Throughout the evening, the audience was treated to treasured memories of Guru Kundan Lal Gangani Ji’s teachings and cherished bandishes, in a heartfelt tribute to the legend.
For nearly four hours, the audience remained immersed in the world of Kathak, gurus and the mesmerizing stories that Guru Urmila Ji shared with remarkable warmth and honesty, reliving every moment as though it had happened only yesterday.
A Lesson for Every Young Dancer
At the age of eighty-plus, while continuing to describe herself as a student, she effortlessly recalled the names of the legendary vocalists, tabla players, sitar maestros and sarangi accompanists she had worked with.
For over two hours, she sang, demonstrated and danced, leaving the audience wishing the evening would never end. She also urged young students to pursue riyaaz with patience and sincerity, reminding them that there are no shortcuts in mastering any art form.
An Evening That Will Be Remembered
Throughout the Dharohar Samvaad, an extraordinary grace filled the stage, and the joy on the faces of both performers and audience members was impossible to miss. It was one of those evenings that lingers long after the final applause.
And as the curtains came down, one thought remained in every mind: when will the next Dharohar Samvaad be, and who will have the privilege of taking that chair?
Thing to take home
Kathak ka jo khulapan hai, uski jhalak dekhne ko mili.
