Internationally renowned Kathak Duo Nalini and Kamalini are among the select band of Indian dancers, who have made an unerasable belief in the very unveiling on the concert stage. This duo was born on 5th November in the year 1955 and 11th November in the year 1954 to father Late Shri B P Asthana. They are the devoted disciples of Kathak Maestro, Guru Jitendra Maharaj of Varanasi Gharana. Jitendra Maharaj of Varanasi Gharana has been honored as the trendsetter of temple style of Kathak dancing. The Varanasi Gharana of Kathak reposes on all the finesse to this magnificent duo. Nalini and Kamalini, the sisters are bestowed with uncommon artistic qualities of natural construction, grace, sweetness, clarity and perfection. They are also known for their elaborated sensitivities and refinement. Both the aesthete and purist are pleased with their style.
The emancipated Nalini and Kamalini move out in an unobtrusive manner into the "open spaces of the soul". Thence, their performances are not bear recitals but also exemplifies the authentic banquets of the soul. They have been acknowledged by the art authorities as `celestial dancing nymphs`. With their `emotiveness deep and pure`, their `artistry` particularly their footwork undefiled, the stage performance of the two sisters is outstanding.
The duo is well acquainted in the consorted arts of music and literature. They are as respected throughout India as they are abroad. They are often invited to represent this conventional form before visiting dignitaries in the Parliament, Rashtrapati Bhawan and they have also partook in several National and International festivals of repute in and around various parts of the world viz. UK, USA, Germany, France, Spain, Norway and Middle East. Even in the most intriguing ambiance of mixed race of students, this duo carried on lecture-cum-demonstrations in various leading Universities/Academic Institutions of the world. This lecture-cum-demonstrations are mainly conducted for the cultural awareness among the youth. Their Lectures demonstrations in Oxford, Cambridge, Lei den, Manchester University, London School of Economics were of great success.
They have achieved several honors throughout their career. To name a few-- They have performed in Dance-Ballets viz. Kala Aur Vasna, Akjand Sobhagyavati, Abhivyakti, Madhav Kunj Bihari etc. They were conferred the Junior fellowship from Ministry of Human Resource Development. "Kathak Aur Tarana" in the year 1992-1994 and the senior fellowship for research them " Nritya-Ka-Yog-Se Sambandh"-1998. They have given 350 lecture-cum-demonstration in Academic Institutions across the country-sponsors-Delhi Administration, Directorate U.P. Cultural Affairs. For cultural awareness among the youth, they also initiated to make video film for I.L.E.A (Inner London Education Authority). They have served as the Secretary- Sangeetka Institution of Performing Arts.
They have been conferred with many awards. These are:
Nritya Shiromani ---by Sur Singar Samsad-Bombay, Kalashree --- by Vandana Arts-Delhi, Nritya Praveen --- by Abhinav Kala Parishad-Bhopal, Nritya Sarang --- by Kala Ranjani-Madras, Special President Award --- by The President Shri R Venkataraman-Delhi and Mahakal Samman --- by Madhuban-UjjainBharat Nirman-Delhi
Nalini and Kamalini have also participated at the charity shows for Red Cross Society, British Heart Foundation, Spastic Society of London, Prime Minister Relief Fund, Blind School, and for the construction of Vivekanand Memorial. In the defense officials and industrial establishments, they have performed at the Naval officers, Naval Base Cochin, OTS-Madras, CRPF-Rampur, ITBP-Jammu, Mussoori, Bangladesh Liberation Day Celebration, Masipur (Assam), in the year 1982. In the year 1983, on the invitation of General Vaidya, they have performed at Shilong, Aizwal, Agratala. Others were: Telco Sangeet Samaj-Jamshedpur, Bhelai Steel Plant, Tisco, Bharatpur, BHEL Haridwar, Steel Authority of India Orissa. HMT watch factory. Pulaskar Jayanti at Nayveli Lignite Corporation, Tamil nadu, for the period of 1970 to 1993.
