The name of Om Prakash Maharaj come to immediate reckoning when Katthak dance is concerned. This leading Katthak dancer was born in a respectable Brahmin family in Ayodhya on 6th August, 1960. In his early childhood, he started to take music lessons from his elder brothers Ramesh Kumar Mishra and Chandra Prakash Mishra.

Om Prakash's mother Chandrabati Devi was an adept hand at playing on the sitar. So it will not be an exaggeration to say that he carried music and rhythm in his blood. At the age of twelve, Om Prakash started to learn Katthak dance of the exquisite lucknow 'gharana' from his uncle. After two years of rigorous practice under the tutclage of his uncle, he became the disciple of Pt. Anjan Maharaj.

His next guru was Vikram Singh under whose able guidance, Om Prakash spent a few years and learnt many subtle techniques till he entered the Lucknow Katthak Centre. Here he spent five valuable years (1972 - 77) and learnt all the intricate techniques of Katthak from Pt. Lachhu Maharaj the ace dancer and renowned teacher.

In 1985, Om Prakash Mishra received the prestigious 'Praveen' award from the 'Allahabad Prayag Sangeet Samity.' After passing the B.A. Examination from the Awadh University, Om Prakash Maharaj delivered some spectacular dance performances in different places like Lucknow, Delhi, Mumbai, Allahabad, Calcutta etc. He was highly appreciated and applauded everywhere. Several Katthak dance programmes produced by the Doordarshan as 'Sita Swamvar,' 'Bheesma Pratigya,' 'Kabi Kalpana,' 'Gopi Biraha,' 'Krishna Sudama' etc., took Om Prakash Maharaj to dizzying heights. 

At present, this ace dancer has founded 'Sangeeta,' an ideal institution for learning music and dance especially Katthak where he teaches the aspiring students with utmost care and affection. He also earned fame for his umpteen articles on dance based on through research work. Au reste, he has proved his mettle as a poet and Tabla player as well.