India, June 5 -- There is something eternal about Kathak, from the swirl of a lehenga to the accuracy of footwork and the subtlety of expression. Having danced since the age of three, I find myself fascinated by the power of this art form every single day. It fills me with deep pride, and sometimes concern, as Kathak strengthens its presence in Indian cinema. For decades, it has not only enriched the visual palette of films but also added layers of narrative depth and cultural resonance.

Kathak's entrance into cinema was as effortless as a river finding its course. Early Hindi directors, inspired by mythological, devotional, and historical narratives, instinctively harnessed its emotive power. The 1932 filmIndra Sabha, adapted from the 1...