Kala-Chhaya

Kala-Chhaya is an institute founded in the year 1965 by Smt. Prabha Marathe- Senior Disciple of the Kathak Maestro Pt.Birju Maharaj- to bring the rich heritage of North Indian Classical Dance form 'KATHAK' to Maharashtra. In the initial years Kala-Chhaya designed the detailed courses of Diploma (Amad-E-Kathak) and Degree (Bahar-E-Kathak) in Kathak which infused the students with an enthusiasm for this Beautiful dance form. Pt. Birju Maharaj has always been a guiding spirit behind the endeavor of Kala-Chhaya. The Hard work put in by Smt Prabha Marathe and Shri Munnalal Shukla in the initial years was amply rewarded. Today there are several disciples who are outstanding performers as well as well versed instructors. The courses have also provided the base for scholarly pursuits. In the mid 70s Kala-Chhaya roped in 'TABLA' training under the versatile tutelage of the well known creative musician Shri Bharat Jangam. This faculty proved to be an added attraction for all the students. Since 1980, Smt Prabha Marathe and Sri Bharat Jangam have visited U.S.A. regularly to teach and perform in different universities ( UCLA, UNM, Lawrence, Madison, Columbia etc.) and other educational institutions As a result of these activities a training center for Indian Dance and music was established in 1988, at Taos, New Mexico, U.S.A.