Nahid Siddiqui
Nahid Siddiqui (born 1956) is a Pakistani Kathak dancer and choreographer. She studied Kathak with Baba Maharaj in Pakistan and with Birju Maharaj in India. She has spent decades developing Kathak in Pakistan, creating a refined style that blends Islamic and Sufi influences with classical dance.
In 1976 she traveled with Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s entourage to perform abroad, and she has since performed in many countries for international audiences. In 1978 she created Payal, a 13-episode TV project about Kathak with live classical musicians; it was banned after the sixth episode.
Nahid spent time living in England, where she taught at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and the Midlands Arts Centre, started her own company, and trained dancers from various backgrounds. She returned to Pakistan and continued to promote Kathak by founding the Nahid Siddiqui Foundation, which supports dance, yoga, and music. She also conducts lectures and workshops and has taught at Lahore Chitrakar, the National College of Arts, and with the Aga Khan University.
Her work has earned several honors, including Pakistan’s Pride of Performance (1994) and the Lux Style Award for Lifetime Achievement (2018). She is known for her disciplined technique, innovative Movements, and her role in keeping Kathak alive in Pakistan.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 00:29 (CET).