Akram Khan describes Dheerendra Tiwari as a “firecracker, confident, strong and knowledgeable artist”. Tiwari is one of the foremost disciples of Kathak maestro Rajendra Gangani of the Jaipur gharana. In this performance, Tiwari stands true to the accolades Khan had given him. His fluid movements, impeccable footwork, intricate hand gestures and sublime facial expressions combine to produce a masterpiece. His presentation of the “Panchamukhi padhan” depicts the five different personalities of Lord Shiva – a piece that he has learned from his own Guru. With his footwork, Tiwari whips up a storm and as he spins, he makes it seem effortless as if he is floating on air. In a silent kathak-mime, he awes the audience with his ability to communicate merely through gestures and abhinaya, a wide spectrum of human emotions.

Watch this episode also for some fascinating anecdotes from the personal life of Akram Khan – they are filled with inspiration and profound values of life.

Creative Director and CEO of Sadler’s Wells theatre, Alistair Spalding says that Darbar has been key to exposing the usual dance-loving audience of the theatre to premium quality classical music from northern and southern India.

Dheerendra Tiwari (kathak)
Samiullah Khan (vocals)
Jasdeep Degun (sitar)
Mohit Gangani (tabla)
Ashish Gangani (pakhawaj)