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Pandit Tirath Ram Azad 13 December 1933 – 22 April 2008

As India celebrates its accomplishments over the past 60 years, it is increasingly apparent we are living through the end of a generation. The generation that was responsible, in ways small and big, for laying the foundation of today’s India. Among these most certainly was Pandit Tirath Ram Azad, Kathak exponent, who passed away this April.

A versatile artiste, he performed in the 1960s’ film “Jamuna Kinare” and created a number of choreographic works on a range of themes, from Bachchan’s “Madhushala” to the story of Valmiki, the Mahabharat to the Old and New Testament. In later years better known as a guru than as a solo performer, he has left behind a large legacy of books, including “Kathak Praveshika”, “Kathak Shringaar”, “Kathak Darpan” and “Kathak Gyaneshwari”. Pandit Tirath Ram, who was initially trained in the Jaipur gharana under Guru Giriraj, known as Delhi Natraj, later trained under Pandit Narayan Prashad and Guru Chiranji Lal. Then he learnt the nuances of the Banaras gharana under Maharaj Krishna Kumar.

As veteran Kathak exponent Ravi Jain, nephew of Maharaj Krishna Kumar, recalls, Tirath Ram was also familiar with the Lucknow gharana. This helped him as a guru and writer. Well known dancer Madhavi Mudgal reiterates his openness. “I learnt from him as a child. He had the bols of every gharana, and knew the qualities of each. He was very open-minded.”

Documenting the bols of various gharanas in his books was a rare feat, notes Madhavi. Artistes are known to keep knowledge to themselves, not even passing it on to their own students, she says, adding another book was coming up but could not be completed due to his sudden demise. Jain agrees. “Many have written books on Kathak, but his contribution is significant.”

Pandit Tirath Ram was also trained in theatre. “Singing, shayari, performing, he was everything,” says Madhavi, “though he didn’t have much of a solo career, partly because he dedicated himself to teaching.” Jain, a friend since 1967, feels it was his amiable qualities that helped him build up a large students’ base across Delhi. He was not easily pleased, notes Jain, his critical faculties not appeased by the excuse that youngsters were trying their best. “Unko jaldi koi jamta nahin tha.”

Perhaps it was part of being the consummate teacher. He did teach till the last day of his life. “I met him only a day before he passed away,” says Jain. “We never thought the end was near.”

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