Lachhu Maharaj (1901-1978)
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Personality Series |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | October 9, 2001 |
| Denomination | Rs. 4 |
| Quantity | 400,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Eagle Press Ltd. |
| Printing Process | Offset Lithography |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Sh. Sankha Samanta |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1859 Stamp Number IN 1916 Yvert et Tellier IN 1623 Stanley Gibbons IN 2024 |
| Themes | Dance | Famous people | Men | Optical Instruments |
Legendary Kathak Dancer and Choreographer
Lachhu Maharaj (1901–1978) was one of the most renowned exponents of Kathak, known for his exceptional artistry and contribution to both classical dance and Indian cinema.
Early Life and Training
Born into a distinguished family of Kathak dancers in Lucknow, Lachhu Maharaj received rigorous training under his uncle, Bindadeen Maharaj, who was the court dancer of the Nawab of Awadh.
In addition to Kathak, he mastered:
- Pakhawaj
- Tabla
- Vocal music
This diverse training enriched his dance style, adding depth, rhythm, and expressive ornamentation.
Career in Dance and Cinema
Lachhu Maharaj later moved to Mumbai (then Bombay), where the growing film industry provided a platform for his talent. He gained widespread acclaim for choreographing iconic dance sequences in classic films such as:
- Mahal
- Mughal-e-Azam
- Pakeezah
His work brought classical Kathak dance to mainstream audiences, blending tradition with cinematic expression.
Ballets and Artistic Contributions
Apart from films, Lachhu Maharaj created several acclaimed dance ballets, including:
- Gautam Buddha
- Chandravali
- Bharatiya Kissan
These productions showcased his innovative choreography and deep understanding of storytelling through dance.
Role in Institutional Development
Lachhu Maharaj played a key role in promoting Kathak as an institutional art form. He served as the founder Director of the Kathak Kendra, established by the Uttar Pradesh Government, which became a major center for classical dance training.
Awards and Recognition
For his immense contribution to Indian classical dance, he received several prestigious honours, including:
- The President’s Award
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Legacy
Lachhu Maharaj remains a towering figure in the world of Kathak. His efforts helped bridge classical traditions with modern platforms, influencing generations of dancers and choreographers.
To honour his legacy, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp as part of the Personality Series: Poetry and Performing Arts, alongside eminent personalities like Bharathidasan and Master Mitrasen Thapa.
First Day Cover
