Lucknow Artists Honored for Lifelong Arts Contribution

Three distinguished artistes from Lucknow have been celebrated with Sangeet Natak Akademi honours for their lifelong dedication to the performing arts. These accolades recognize their unique contributions, spanning classical dance, music, and theatre.

Pandit Rammohan Maharaj, a Kathak guru from the Lucknow gharana, received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2025. Following in the footsteps of his father and cousin, he has committed to preserving the guru-shishya tradition. Notably, he now provides free Kathak training to talented children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Lucknow, a mission inspired by Birju Maharaj's wish.

Hindustani classical and ghazal vocalist Yugantar Sindoor was also honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2025. He dedicated his award to his mother and has a career marked by a blend of khayal, thumri, and ghazal. Sindoor has performed extensively both nationally and internationally, and has mentored numerous budding artists, including playback singer Sachet Tandon.

Theatre director Atamjit Singh was presented with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2024 for his five-decade effort in revitalizing folk theatre. His innovative work includes adapting William Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice' into the Nautanki format and producing acclaimed Nautankis on historical figures and events. He also revived traditional forms like Lavani and Hargitika, making them relevant for contemporary audiences.