User:Acharya Guru Ganesh Hiralal Hasal

Acharya Guru Ganesh Hiralal Hasal(born on 21st December 1938) is an accomplished Kathak Maestro hailing from the renowned Jaipur Ghanara. He is the seventh generation exponent, trained under the erudite tutelage of his father and forefathers of Hasal Khandaan-A family of elite nine generations of Kathak tradition.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

EARLY LIFE Acharya Guru Ganesh Hiralal Hasal was born on 21st December 1938. Acharya Guru Ganesh Hiralal Hasal ji has been performing from the tender age of 7  and his first major performance was infront of Dr. Rajendra Prasad the first president of independent India. He belongs to a family of renowned dancers of which he is the 7th Generation. He got his training from his own father Guru Hiralalji together with his late brother Shri Nritraj Hiralal who was also a famous dancer and teacher in Kolkata. While his father spent many decades spreading and teaching this art form in Delhi, Acharya Ganesh Hiralal Hasal after spending a few years both at Kolkata and Delhi settled in Mumbai, the gateway to the culture of India.

CAREER Acharya Guru Ganesh Hiralal Hasal Ji is the chairperson of Mumbai Kathak Kendra Sangeet and Nritya Academy, Radha Krishna Educational and charitable Trust (Mumbai) and RK Dance Theatre Inc (South Africa).Guruji has been training and educating students under Guru Shishya Parampara for last five decades both nationally and internationally. He has been conducting examinations and teaching Kathak in all the reputed Kathak Kendra’s for ages now. He took Kathak to Europe and South Africa in the early 70’s and 80’s at the time when a feat like this was unheard of. Amongst his hundreds of global disciples, he is respected for his purity in form and erudite handling of Laya (rhythm) and Taal (beats), specially Vilambit Laya (Kathak) which is synonymous to his style (32 beats) and occasionally pushed his limits to Ativilambit laya (64 beats). He has also done many experimental and collaborative work with renowned artists all over the world. All the organisations that he has been a part of largely dealt with imparting knowledge either free or just a mere honorarium. This humanitarian artist has trained the most number of dancers of Adivasi Community in Maharashtra and also taken many underprivileged children to commemorate Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations in India and abroad. Guruji has been associated with NGO’s within Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata working with students from various stratus of society by facilitating their learning and providing them a serious platform to showcase their skills. Along with his son Dr Vinod Hasal they collaborated with ICCR Delhi and inaugurated the first ever Indian Classical Kathak dance and folk dance school of India called RK Dance Theatre. Most significant work by their association was done in the heart of African townships where about 450+ African children were taught and trained in Kathak. They created the first ever classical Kathak Dancer in the world from a township of the late first president of South Africa Mr Nelson Mandela by the name of Mr Brian Sekeko. This achievement was recognised by the government of India (ICCR) in Delhi 2005.

Living by his motto – “Dance is a form of Art and like all forms of art it can convey a message. An inspiring message which can become a harbinger of hope uplifting the communities and thus the society as a whole “ Guru Ganesh Hiralal Ji has contributed to various aspects of our society, by having a deeper sense of contemporary issues and grappling them with sense and sensitivity of an artist and a social worker put together. One of Guruji”s major works includes his own production called “SHAKTI ROOPA” which was a portrayal of empowered women and its impact on every aspect of life when respected and revered by people surrounding her. Guruji showcased this using ancient Indian melodies and rhythms that his forefathers had taught him which he not only preserved and maintained but also passed on to the new generation in all its purity and authenticity. Guruji is instrumental in extending Kathak repertoire by enriching it with contemporary issues and values. This Octogenarian continues to work tirelessly and passionately every day conducting workshops and helping upcoming Kathak artists in their research work. Time and Age cannot dim the light which shines from within.

PERSONAL LIFE Acharya Guru Ganesh Hiralal Hasal is married to Mrs. Krishna Hasal. They have two sons Dr. Vinod Hasal and Pt. Umesh Hasal are prominent Classical Dancers and musicians of this generation.

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS Acharya Guru Ganesh Hiralal Hasal has recently being honoured by the prestigious RANG RATAN AWARD in India.