Renowned Kathak exponent Shinjini Kulkarni, granddaughter of legendary Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj, shared an emotional and deeply personal account of carrying forward one of India’s most celebrated artistic legacies in the upcoming episode of ‘Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar’.

Hosted by Rajeev Khandelwal, the episode highlights the challenges, responsibilities, and pride that come with belonging to a family that has shaped the history of Indian classical dance.

During the interaction, Rajeev Khandelwal asked Shinjini whether the expectations associated with being Pandit Birju Maharaj’s granddaughter create additional pressure whenever she performs. Responding candidly, Shinjini spoke about the constant scrutiny and high standards she faces as a member of the legendary family.

She said that while many people assume that opportunities come easily because of her lineage, they often overlook the years of rigorous training, discipline, and dedication required to excel in Kathak. Shinjini explained that the fear of making mistakes is heightened because any error is often viewed not just as her own, but as a reflection on her guru and grandfather’s legacy.

Reflecting on the expectations placed upon her, she said that despite the pressure, she draws strength from the belief that she was chosen to be born into this family and does not seek validation from others. According to her, the opportunity to continue the art form itself is a blessing and responsibility she embraces with pride.

Applauding her perspective, Rajeev Khandelwal praised Shinjini for carrying forward a legacy that has continued across generations. He noted that preserving such a rich cultural tradition is no easy task and expressed hope that the art form would continue to flourish through future generations.

The conversation also touched upon Shinjini’s vision for the future of Kathak. She revealed that if given the opportunity to win the show’s prize money, she would like to use it to preserve the oral traditions of Kathak and support young students who are passionate about learning the classical dance form.

Speaking about the importance of preserving cultural heritage, Shinjini shared a remarkable piece of family history. She revealed that her great-grandfather had composed nearly 5,000 thumris, which were traditionally passed down orally from one generation to the next. However, due to the loss of several custodians of the tradition at a young age, only around 500 of those compositions survived and reached Pandit Birju Maharaj, while thousands were lost forever.

Rajeev described the preservation of such artistic treasures as a national responsibility and stressed the need to encourage young people interested in traditional art forms that contribute to India’s cultural identity.

A major highlight of the episode is Shinjini’s performance of ‘Mohe Rang Do Laal’, one of the most celebrated choreographies created by Pandit Birju Maharaj for filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film ‘Bajirao Mastani’. Speaking about the experience, Shinjini recalled attending rehearsals in Delhi where she witnessed her grandfather train actress Deepika Padukone in Kathak. She described it as an extraordinary experience to observe how he taught the intricacies of the dance form to a non-Kathak dancer within a limited time.

Later in the conversation, Shinjini also shared what she considers one of the proudest moments of her career — performing on stage in the United States alongside her grandfather Pandit Birju Maharaj and legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. Rajeev remarked that while many people admire those born into artistic families, few fully understand the responsibility of preserving and carrying such legacies forward.

The heartfelt exchange serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding India’s rich artistic traditions and ensuring that they continue to inspire future generations. Through stories like Shinjini’s, ‘Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar’ continues to celebrate individuals who remain deeply committed to preserving and advancing their family’s legacy.

‘Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar’, hosted by Rajeev Khandelwal, airs every Monday to Friday at 9pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.