Profile of Kathak Dancer Rani Khanam Ji

Profile of Kathak Dancer Rani Khanam Ji

Rani Khanam is one of the most sensitive and astute interpreters of Lucknow Gharana of Kathak today. Her style reflects deep comprehension of the dance tradition which has set new dimensions and source of inspirations to younger generation. A powerful and imaginative dancer, Rani Khanam displays a breathtaking technique in both pure dance and in the art of abhinaya.A cultural visionary, beside an outstanding exponent of Kathak, her contribution to the field of art is profound and unparalleled in traditional dance history. A powerful and imaginative dancer, Rani Khanam displays a breathtaking technique in both pure dance and in the art of abhinaya.

A total belief in herself and the courage to follow her aspirations which made Rani Khanam today the only Indian Muslim Kathak classical dancer of distinction who braved to dance on Islamic verses & Sufiana verses of mystic Sufi poets. It was her faith and dedication to dance that helped her scale heights having a series of firsts with her name.As an artiste, choreographer and guru, she always strives for excellence. Rani Khanam performs both classical Kathak and her unique repertoire of sacred dances. Her bold and intellectual compositions in traditional themes are brilliant and unique.

Awards:Rani Khanam has been honoured for her courageous and pioneering work with awards such as 5th National Women Excellence Award – 2012; Asian Cultural Council Fellowship on "World Dance and Islamic Culture"; The Govt. of India’s: Fellowship and the India Foundation's award as outstanding Kathak dancer. For the past two decades Rani Khanam is performing regularly at reputed national and international festivals. . of India’s: Fellowship and the India Foundation's award as outstanding Kathak dancer.

Lecture Demonstration / Workshops:Rani Khanam has promoted Indian classical dance amongst the youth through her lecture demonstrations & workshops throughout India in many educational institutions under the auspices of Spic Macay, I.C.C.R. Sangeet Natak Academy & IIRCC & abroad mainly in U.K, South Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands & USA.

As A Guru: AAMAD-Kathak Dance Centre:As a respected Guru, Rani Khanam has cultivated and groomed some of the finest Kathak dancers in India & abroad.Rani Khanam is the founder director of AAMAD-Kathak Dance Centre in East Delhi. AAMAD is recognised by the department of Culture, Govt. of India, accredited centre of Kathak Kendra-National institute of Kathak dance, New Delhi and empanelled under ICCR, Ministry of external affairs.

Performed At National & International Dance Festivals The Festival of India’ in USA, USSR, Tropical dance festival in The Netherlands, ‘Sound of spell’ at Royal festival hall & Salam festival- London, the Islamic Art museum dance festival in Malaysia, Forde International Festival in Sweden-Norway, Indian Republic day celebration in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. And many others programmes in UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Oman, Algeria, Sri Lanka & UAE, Singapore, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, Muscat, Abu Dhabi , Dubai etc.

For the past two decades Rani Khanam has performed regularly at reputed national and international festivals, mainly: Bindadin Jayanti -Delhi, Bhagyachandra National Festival- Imphal, Soorya Festival & Nishigandhi-Trivendrapuram, Shivraatri-Varanasi, Bhagyachandra Festival, Sangeet Natak Akademi Festival, Khajuraho Festival, Krishan Gaan Sabha- Channai, Lucknow Mahotsava, Bhatkhande dance & Music Festival, Bharat Bhavan - Sathapana Divas- M.P, Jhansi Mahotsava, National Dance & Music Festival - Kolkatta, Nityanritya- Banglore, Koshi Mahotsava, Bihar Diwas and many more.

Distinguished Service For The Society:Being a sensitive individual, Rani Khanam has used her talent and artistic instinct to create awareness through her choreography. New creative choreographic work through various dance productions addressing critical issues towards equality & social justice for Muslim women, women in general, persons with disabilities and HIV / AIDS.

First Of Its Kind Dance Production For The Rights Of Muslim Women And Women In General:

Especially choreographed “BLACK & WHITE” is about the provisions of Muslim personal law as contained in the Quran and the Hadiths about their rights but because of ignorance of these provisions, we are not able to update with the current time and are facing problems. The voice has been raised for their rights. This production is critically acclaimed by the media and has received outstanding applauses from art connoisseurs.Across the globe, Muslim women are excelling in different fields still they are seeing as an object and are ever bound by religious and social boundaries. This dance production deals to reveal the strength & potential of a woman to create her own identity irrespective of circumstances & environment. This production has performed for National Legal Services Authority and Kri Foundation.

“SHAKTI ” Based On Women Empowerment :Shakti - An Integrated dance production “Shakti” based on women empowerment. Shakti is the call for empowering the women by providing them right environment, right education, respect and opportunities where they can tap their immense potential lying in the depth of their inner being.Generate Unique Employment Avenues For Women In The Field Of Art & Culture:

Some of Aamad students have taken up performing arts as their career and have become practitioners. They earn their living by giving the performances and teaching in schools and universities in India and abroad. A few of them have gone into research also. All of them have developed a very strong aesthetic sense towards life.

Creative Work In The Field Of Persons With Disabilities:Rani Khanam’s commitment towards the people with disability has given new dimensions to her world of dance. Through her innovative choreography, she has assisted & directed many international acclaimed Therapeutic Theatre Productions. She gives her artistic inputs to Ability Unlimited Foundation, Delhi.On The Awareness Of HIV/ AIDS , Domestic Violence Issues SHIVER:Rani Khanam is also credited for choreographing the 1st ever South Asian Dance/ Multimedia Performance piece 'Shiver’ that tackled a key issue of South Asian women and HIV/AIDS at the South Bank Centre, London, music by renowned film music composer Aanand Milind, Voice by Kavita Krishnamurti, present by Wise thoughts, London, UK.

‘UN-TENDER TOUCH’ On Domestic Violence:an exquisitely, crafted dance piece that narrates the volatile stories of south Asian women in the U.K. for Milton Keynes Women’s Aid Commission,UK