Pandit Durga Lal Biography 
Pandit Durga Lal was a renowned Kathak dancer belonging to the Jaipur Gharana (school of arts). He was a singer and Pakvad player too. For his contributions to the field of Kathak dance form he was awarded Padma Shri by Government of India, and also Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for the year 1984. His brother Pandit Devi Lal and wife Gitanjali Lal are also renowned artists belonging to Kathak. In fact his wife is a recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Durga Lal passed away at a comparatively young age of 41 in 1990. Pandit Durga Lal Memorial Festival is arranged by his family every year. Uma Dogra is one among his prominent students, who opened a dance school in his memory soon after his death, and is currently following his legacy.
Pandit Durga Lal was born in the year 1990. He was born in Mahendragarh, Rajasthan. He took formal training in Kathak from Pandit Sunder Prasad. He was married to a noted Kathak dancer, Gitanjali Lal and the couple had two children. Gitanjali Lal is a senior guru of the Kathak Kendra and a well-known choreographer. Her husband was earlier associated with the same institute.
As a performing artist, he is best remembered for the art piece, Ghanashyam, composed by Pandit Ravi Shankar and produced by Birmingham Opera Company. He has trained some of the best Kathak dancers of present times. He has also taught at the National Institute of Kathak Dance, New Delhi. Uma Dogra is among his most successful students. Nighat Chaodhr, Jayant Kastuar and Mangala Bhatt are a few more. apart from opening a dance school in his memory, Uma Dogra has also made a documentary film on his life, paying her tribute.
Published: September 12, 2018
Updated: September 12, 2018
