Shambhu Maharaj (English: Shambhu Maharaj, born- November 16, 1907[1]Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh; Death- November 4, 1970) was a famous teacher and dancer of the Indian classical dance style Kathak. He belonged to Lucknow Gharana. His real name was ‘Shambhunath Mishra’. By singing Thumri along with dance, Shambhu Maharaj used to display his emotions in such a variety of ways that the audience could not remain without being charmed.
Shambhu Maharaj was born on 16 November 1907 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He has a special place among the famous dancers of Lucknow Gharana. He was honored with the title of ‘Nritya Samrat’ for his outstanding contribution in the field of dance. Along with Shambhu Maharaj’s father Kalka Prasad and grandfather Durga Prasad, Agraj Achchan Maharaj was also one of the best dancers of his time. In this way the art of dance was inherited by him.
Shambhu Maharaj received training in Kathak dance first from his uncle Bindadin Maharaj and later from elder brother Achchan Maharaj. Apart from dance, she also studied Hindustani classical music. Especially thumri. He received training in thumri singing from Rahimuddin Khan, the younger brother of Moinuddin Khan. Thus, Shambhu Maharaj was proficient in both the genres of dance and music singing.[1]
Shambhu Maharaj accepted the importance of emotion-oriented dance rather than rhythm. His belief was that – “A dance devoid of emotion and rhythm can only be a miraculous spectacle, not a dance.” In the display of dance skills, Shambhu Maharaj used to miraculously display emotions like grief, hope, despair, anger, love, hatred etc. He knew many ancient lyrics, verses and fragments by heart. By singing thumri along with dance, Shambhu Maharaj used to display his emotions in such a variety of ways that the audience could not remain without being charmed. While singing, along with Thumri, he also used to recite Dadra, Ghazal and Bhajan to the listeners with great enthusiasm.
Pashambhu Maharaj was awarded ‘Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship’ in 1967 and ‘Padma Shri’ in 1956.