Guru Ganesh Hiralal Hasal is an accomplished Kathak Maestro hailing from the renowned Jaipur Gharana. He is the seventh generation exponent, trained under the erudite tutelage of his father and forefathers of Hasal Khandaan – A family of elite nine generations of Kathak tradition.His torch bearer are his son Dr Vinod Hasal- 8th generation and grand daughter Vinodini Hasal- 9th generation.

Guru Ganesh Hiralal Hasal Ji is the chairperson of Mumbai Kathak Kendra Sangeet and Nritya Academy, Radha Krishna Educational and charitable Trust (Mumbai) and RK Dance Theatre Inc (South Africa).

Guruji has been training and educating students under Guru Shishya Parampara for last five decades both nationally and internationally.

He has been conducting examinations and teaching Kathak in all the reputed Kathak Kendra’s for ages now.

He took Kathak to Europe and South Africa in the early 70’s and 80’s at the time when a feat like this was unheard of. Amongst his hundreds of global disciples, he is respected for his purity in form and erudite handling of Laya (rhythm) and Taal (beats), specially Vilambit Laya (Kathak) which is synonymous to his style (32 beats) and occasionally pushed his limits to Ativilambit laya (64 beats). He has also done many experimental and collaborative work with renowned artists all over the world.

All the organisations that he has been a part of largely dealt with imparting knowledge either free or just a mere honorarium. This humanitarian artist has trained the most number of dancers of Adivasi Community in Maharashtra and also taken many underprivileged children to commemorate Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations in India and abroad.

Guruji has been associated with NGO’s within Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata working with students from various stratas of society by facilitating their learning and providing them a serious platform to showcase their skills.

Along with his son Dr Vinod Hasal they collaborated with ICCR Delhi and inaugrated the first ever Indian Classical Kathak dance and folk dance school of India called RK Dance Theatre. Most significant work by their association was done in the heart of African townships where about 450+ African children were taught and trained in Kathak.

They created the first ever classical Kathak Dancer in the world from a township of the late first president of South Africa Mr Nelson Mandela by the name of Mr Brian Sekeko. This achievement was recognised by the government of India (ICCR) in Delhi 2005.

Living by his motto – “ Dance is a form of Art and like all forms of art it can convey a message. An inspiring message which can become a harbinger of hope uplifting the communities and thus the society as a whole “ Guru Ganesh Hiarlal ji has contributed to various aspects of our society, by having a deeper sense of contemporary issues and grappeling them with sense and sensitivity of an artist and a social worker put together.

One of Guruji”s major works includes his own production called “SHAKTI ROOPA” which was a portrayal of empowered women and its impact on every aspect of life when respected and revered by people surrounding her. Guruji showcased this using ancient Indian melodies and rhytms that his forefathers had taught him which he not only preserved and maintained but also passed on to the new generation in all its purity and authenticity. 

Acharya Ganesh Hirala Hasal Ji has participated in several dance conferences all over the India and has also been around the World thrice propagating this art form. Apart from several renowned students of Acharyapad Hiralalji and Acharya ganesh Hiralal Hasal, to name a few Damayanti Joshi (Mumbai), Sarla Sehgal (Delhi), Uma Sharma (Delhi), Sharan Rani Mathur (Delhi), Sandya V Shantaram (Mumbai), Nandini Singh (Delhi), Sahira Pasha (Mumbai/London), Sudarshan Dheer (London), Bharti Rai (Germany), Sophie D’souza (Mangalore), Usha Bhatia (Delhi), Ahkhila Rao (Mumbai), Sharmila Rao (America), Chote Lall (Delhi), Ahbha Singal (Gaziabad), Rani Karna (Delhi), Sandhya Roy (Kolkata), pt Hazarilal Jaipurwale (Jaipur), Shaila Arora (Mumbai), Prachi Shah (Mumbai).

Acharya Ganesh Hiralal Hasal Ji has passed on his precious legacy onto his 2 sons Dr. Vinod Hasal (Mumbai / South Africa) and Pt. Umesh hasal who have under his able guidance taken this art from to new frontiers.

Amongst his many renowned students he is a very proud grandfather teaching his grand daughters Ghunghor and Shubda (Mumbai) and 9th Generation children of Dr. Vinod hasal – Vinodini Hasaland Shvetank Hasal (South Africa/India).

Guruji is instrumental in extending Kathak repertoire by enriching it with contemporary issues and values. This Octogenarian continues to work tirelessly and passionately every day conducting workshops and helping upcoming Kathak artists in their research work. Time and Age can not dim the light which shines from within.