Dr. Richa Jain
- Dr. Pranaame Bhagawati
- Apr 26
- 4 min read
Updated: May 8
Kathak Dance: The Journey of Richa Jain, a Katha Vaachak
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Kathak dance exponent and katha vaachak (storyteller who seamlessly sings and dances), Richa Jain began her formal training in Kathak at the tender age of three. She was guided by her parents—esteemed gurus Ravi Jain and Nalini Malhotra Jain. Guru Ravi Jain, a disciple of Shambhu Maharaj of the Lucknow Gharana and Alaknanda Devi of the Benaras Gharana, along with Guru Nalini Malhotra Jain, a disciple of Sunder Prasad and Kundan Lal Gangani of the Jaipur Gharana, imparted a rich and diverse foundation to her training.
With such extensive and nuanced guidance, Richa’s performances reflect a harmonious confluence of the Lucknow, Jaipur, and Benaras gharanas, embodying both grace and rhythmic vitality. She received her initial training in vocal music from Ajit Kumar Mishra and was later groomed in Hindustani classical music under the guidance of A. Maheshwar Rao of the Gwalior Gharana, a recipient of the State Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Richa is among the rare Katha Vaachaks who can seamlessly recite, sing, and dance scriptural narratives.
The Tradition of Nritya Seva
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Richa actively promotes the ancient temple tradition of Nritya Seva—storytelling through dance rooted in the katha vaachan parampara from which Kathak originated. This tradition is not just about performance; it is a spiritual journey that connects the dancer with the audience. Richa's commitment to this art form is evident in her numerous performances, both nationally and internationally.
She is an A-grade performing artist of National Television of India (Doordarshan- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting). Additionally, Richa is an empaneled artist of the I.C.C.R, Ministry of External Affairs, and is also recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Her performances have graced stages across India and abroad, showcasing the beauty of Kathak to diverse audiences.
A Multifaceted Artist
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Richa is also a published author of the book “Kathak,” released by Parragon Publishing India in 2025. She has contributed research papers to reputed journals, further enriching the academic discourse surrounding Indian classical dance. Her collaborations with the Directorate of Education Delhi, NCERT, and the ICSE Board aim to promote art integration and raise awareness of classical dance among students.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Richa has served as a jury member at the University of Delhi and as a preview expert for the Doordarshan Archives. Currently, she trains young Kathak students through her organization, Kala Kunj, in Delhi. This organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting Indian classical arts, ensuring that the next generation of dancers is well-equipped to carry forward this rich heritage.
Educational Background
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An alumna of Jesus and Mary College, Richa holds a Master’s degree in Commerce and a Ph.D. in Dance. Her academic achievements complement her artistic pursuits, allowing her to approach Kathak with both passion and intellect.
Awards & Honours
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Richa's contributions to the field of dance have not gone unnoticed. She has received several prestigious awards, including:
Awarded by the India-Canada Association (Ottawa, Canada) for her contribution to dance in 2014.
Honored by Delhi Teachers University for her contributions in 2025.
Bestowed with the Late Kathak Samrat Pt. Chabinath Misra Kathak Samman in 2014.
Received the title of ‘Shringar Mani’ by the Sur Singar Samsad, Mumbai in 2009.
Honored by the Rotary Club for her choreographic production for the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India in 2024.
The Essence of Being a Katha Vaachak
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With superb dance performances, what made you deeply indulge in being a 'Katha Vaachak'? Is this your USP?
This was actually my parents’ vision. My mother trained in the Jaipur gharana under Pt. Sunder Prasad ji and Pt. Kundan Lal Gangani ji. My father, Guru Ravi Jain, trained under Pt. Shambhu Maharaj of the Lucknow gharana and Alaknanda Devi ji of the Benaras Gharana. Not many know that Alaknanda ji, who was the daughter of Sukhdev Maharaj and elder sister of Sitara Devi, used to perform Katha Vaachan—she would sing, recite, and dance stories.
While my training in dance began at the age of three, my parents also initiated me into music at age six under Sh. Ajit Kumar Mishra ji of Benaras (whose father was a Katha Vaachak). I was later groomed for over 16 years in the Gwalior Gharana of Hindustani classical music by Pt. A. Maheshwar Rao Sir. For many years, I was strictly trained in the three gharanas of Kathak and performed their extensive repertoire.
It was much later that I started performing Katha Vaachan—singing and dancing simultaneously. The reason, as stated by my parents, was, "Pehley nritya saadho, ang aur pair ki shudhi karo aur saath saath swar ko gale mein baithao." Only then is Katha Vaachan possible. As time passed, this became my unique selling proposition (USP).
The Future of Kathak
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With the overflow of terms and performances like 'Kathak Bollywood' and 'Sufi Kathak,' what future awaits the upcoming Kathak dancers?
The onus lies on the Guru. The Guru must explain before teaching that:
‘Kathak Bollywood' and 'Sufi Kathak' are not Kathak. They dilute the sanctity of the dance form altogether!
There are no shortcuts to learning a classical dance form.
Don't be in a hurry to be famous.
Twenty-second reels do not make one a Kathak dancer. It takes years of hard work, determination, persistence, and surrender.
If one truly needs to internalize the dance form, they must practice the aforementioned principles.
Conclusion
Richa Jain's journey as a Kathak dancer and Katha Vaachak is a testament to her dedication and passion for the art. Her commitment to preserving Indian classical dance while promoting its rich heritage is commendable. As she continues to inspire the next generation of dancers, her story serves as a reminder of the beauty and depth of Kathak.
Through her performances and teachings, Richa embodies the essence of Kathak, ensuring that this ancient art form remains vibrant and relevant in today's world.
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