Munna Shukla

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Munna Shukla (born December 7, 1943) is a Kathak guru and choreographer of Lucknow Gharana based in New Delhi, India. Born to a family who has been involved in dance for generations, Munna Shukla specializes in Kathak, a classical dance form of North India. He is a grandson of the noted Kathak Maestro, Late Achhan Maharaj, and a nephew of Birju Maharaj.

Shukla received his initial training in Kathak from his father, late Sunder Lal Shukla, and later on from Birju Maharaj in New Delhi under the National Scholarship Scheme offered by the Ministry of Culture. During his training, he participated in many productions and gave several solo performances in the major cities of India.

From 1968 to 1975 he imparted training to advanced Kathak students, both Indians as well as foreigners, at Kala Chhaya, Pune. During this period, he also choreographed many duet and group compositions such Talmala, Talchakra, Himraja, Rajput-Ramani, Shahi-Mehfil, Hindola, Kathak ki Kahani, Holi and Tarana. He also choreographed full-length dance dramas like Kaliyadaman, Makhanleela, Banseeleela, and Shyam Bansuriya. Shukla has been well acclaimed by connoisseurs and the press.

Shukla has worked with the students of Film and TV Institute of India, imparting training in classical dancing to them. He has also given dance direction in a few Marathi plays.

Shukla has been associated with Kathak Kendra (National Institute of Kathak Dance) New Delhi, since 1976. His compositions include Shan-e-Mughal (a full-length dance drama), Tratak, Kathak Prasang, Anvesha, Kraunch-Badh, Chaturang, Anga-Muktri, Raganvita, Goverdhan, Bahar, and Kathakayan.

[edit] Other Works

[edit] Awards

  • Samman of Sahitya Kala Parishad, 2003;
  • Sarangdeo Award by Sur Singar Samsad, Bombay, 1989;
  • U.P.S.N. Akademi Award, 1988.