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  The drawing room exudes an old world charm with its mix of antique furniture and low-rise bamboo two-seaters

This is a house that revolves around dance and that's obvious even before you step through the front door. Kathak dancer Uma Sharma lives in a sprawling two-storey house that's situated on a 900sq yard plot in Delhi's East of Kailash district.

On the left before you enter the house is a large hall where Sharma holds classes for around 25-30 students at a time. This is one of the halls where the Uma Sharma School of Dance & Music holds classes. 'My father got this house in 1971 and it took us almost four years to complete it,' says Sharma. 'We had to face many obstacles, including a paucity of funds, but finally we were able to complete it.'

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  Kathak dancer Uma Sharma’s entire household revolves around dance

Step inside the house and the visitor immediately gets a whiff of incense. Look around and there are images of Hindu deities scattered all around the room. The dancer lives alone in the enormous bungalow but she has a battery of caretakers to look after her every need and the place is always buzzing with the students who come streaming in from around 3pm onwards.

Everything is large about Sharma's home. You enter into a huge lobby. On the right is an enormous drawing room. It's so large that it has two sitting areas and there's plenty of room to spare. Sharma has given it all a certain old world charm with a mix of antique furniture and some low-rise bamboo two-seaters. 'I find them very comfortable,' she says. Also, there's a Rajasthani jharokha, which she bought from Surajkund and which she's very fond of.

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  An antique telephone, Sharma picked up in Mussoorie 22 years ago, is quite the conversation piece

Gaze at the walls and you get a quick glance at some high points of Sharma's career. There are certificates and awards that she has quick-stepped her way to over the years. Also, on the walls are several masks. 'There are a few that I got from Bangkok and Nepal 15 years ago,' she says.

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But the one thing that stands out is a life-size painting created by the famous artist Jatin Das, which has a fascinating history. Says Sharma: 'One fine day, Jatin called me and said he wished to paint me while I was dancing.' Das painted at lightning speed and his work is still there for all to see. Adds Sharma: 'I danced for around two-and-a-half hours in June, and it was really hot. But I am glad because it was all worth it.'

There is also a collection of photographs displayed on one wall. 'I am very social,' says Sharma. 'My relatives and friends keep dropping by and I am almost never alone. I love my family and friends and this is my way of paying tribute to my people.'

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  Sharma has an impressive collection of masks from around the world

But remember this is a home where dance is all-important. The giant living area also doubles as a venue for holding all kind of cultural events. 'It's a multi-purpose room and can accommodate around 100 people,' says Sharma, gesturing around her. 'This is why I have furniture that can be moved easily. We make a temporary stage on one side where an artist can showcase his skills.'

On the left of the living area is another huge dance hall which overlooks a big verandah on the right. 'I love my verandah as I love greenery,' says Sharma. 'During summer, I open up the blinds of the dance room so this becomes the stage while the audience sits in the verandah.'

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  The huge ornate bed is the eye-catcher in the bedroom

Sharma's bedroom is upstairs on the first floor and the way there is via a staircase that starts in the lobby. Upstairs, the stairs end in a lounge which is filled with teak furniture. The lobby area's livened up with Rajasthani puppets that Sharma bought in Jaipur. There is a music room on the right and a big worship room on the left. Says Sharma: 'Earlier my parents used to live in the room that I have now converted into a worship room.'

Going past the music room on the right, is Sharma's personal living area. There are more antiques dotted all round the living room area which leads to the bedroom. 'There is an antique phone that I got from Mussoorie 22 years ago. I also have a collection of Ganesha idols gifted to me over the years,' says Sharma. The furniture in the living room's extremely simple and a door opens onto a balcony. And, on the right, the living area opens up into Sharma's bedroom. 'This is where I like to spend my time with myself,' says Sharma in a matter of fact tone. Her cosy bedroom features a worship area, a reading table on the right and a huge bed. Just above her bed is a collage of pictures.

Sharma has a grand project in mind for the building and wants to set up a huge library on a new second floor. She says simply: 'I hope God helps me build one soon.'

Photographs by Jagan Negi