Shambhu Maharaj Biography 
Shambhu Maharaj was a celebrated Guru of the Lucknow Gharana of Indian classical dance form, Kathak. His real name is Shambhunath Mishra. His nephew Birju Maharaj, Kumudini Lakhia, Damayanti Joshi, Bharati Gupta, Uma Sharma and Rina Singha are among his noted disciples and Kathak exponents. He was honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1967 and the Padmashri in 1956. His elder brothers were Achchan Maharaj and Lacchu Maharaj and they three together form the magic trio of Kathak during 20th century. Lacchu Maharaj has also choreographed several ballets and has also given dance steps for Bollywood songs of movies, Mahal, Pakeezah and magnum opus, Mughal-E-Azam. Shambhu Maharaj passed away on Nov 4, 1970. Kathak and its history would be incomplete if not mentioned Shambhu maharaj’s name.
Shambhu Maharaj was born in Lucknow in 1912, as per Padma award, Sangeet Natak Award citations. He was the youngest son of Kalka Prasad Maharaj. He learnt Lucknow Gharana of Kathak dance from his father, followed by his uncle Bindadin Maharaj and his eldest brother Achchan Maharaj. He received formal training in Hindustani music from Ustad Rahimuddin Khan. His first public performance took place in the year 1926 at the All India Music Conference in Lucknow, when he was still in teens.
Shambhu Maharaj moved to Delhi in 1955 at the invitation of Nirmala Joshi and he joined the Bharatiya Kala Kendra, New Delhi. Later he became the head of Kathak department. He had two sons, Krishnamohan and Rammohan and a daughter, Rameshwari. His son Rammohan Maharaj is also a Kathak dancer and learnt under him. Now the family owns the credit of more than 6 generations dedicating themselves to this art form.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 23, 2014
