Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

TOP 10 dance moments of Ashwini Kalsekar

TOP 10 dance moments of Ashwini Kalsekar

ACCLAIMED Kathak exponent Ashwini Kalsekar is known for her expressive performances and ability to create magic on stage.

The London-based dancer, choreographer and teacher is one of three leading female artists headlining the Utsav 2024 show taking place at Harrow Arts Centre in London on July 21. She joins sarod virtuoso Debasmita Bhattacharya and leading classical singer Swati Natekar in the show paying tribute to singer, composer and academic Dr Sushila Pohankar. 


 Ahead of the show, Eastern Eye got the dynamic dancer to select 10 memorable moments from her artistic journey.

Inspiration: Performing at age six before Kathak maestros Natraj Gopikrishna and Sitara Devi in Mumbai was a pivotal moment that unveiled the transformative power of the stage. I experienced the profound impact of a live performance, the palpable connection with an audience and immediacy of their reactions. That immersion in the art form underscored the essence of live performance in my mind, fostering artistic growth and audience engagement. 

 Milestone: As a professional artist, performing my first solo in Nashik (India) for Kirti Kala Mandir's 25th anniversary is a milestone I cherish. The intense rehearsals under the able guidance of my gurus and their blessings made my first performance truly exciting, despite the overwhelming nervousness and anxiety I faced then. 

 Masterstroke: Late Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj embodies divinity for me. His visionary contributions have shaped the essence of Kathak. I had the fortune of working closely with him, most notably, on the set of Hindi film Devdas. This experience proved foundational when I independently choreographed Indo-British film Ajintha for Nitin Chandrakant Desai. Later, Krishnapriya by Sara Creation offered me a unique opportunity to choreograph the grand musical for Indian audiences. These experiences enriched my understanding of cinematic choreography and musical theatre, elevating me as an artist and choreographer.

Top 10 inset masterstroke ashwini madhuri dixit pandit birju maharaj With Madhuri Dixit and Pandit Birju Maharaj.

 Guru: The biggest influence on me has been my mother and guru Rekha Nadgauda. Being her daughter and student, I conceptualised Kathak as the journey of my life at an early age. I have travelled with her extensively across the years and still get inspired by her sheer dedication of living the Kathak life. Her finesse in blending storytelling into her performance has had the biggest impact on me artistically. I strive to implement her techniques when I teach, choreograph, and perform. I am eternally grateful for her continuous inspiration as well as empowerment, in every step of my artistic journey.  

Shama Tai: She is the pillar of my Kathak existence. Shama Tai Bhate is a subject by herself that every Kathak artist must study. I have distinct memory of watching her performance after which my conscious, soul and the idea of dance was drawn into her charisma. I learned further from her in Pune to complete a masters degree in Kathak. Her fiery charisma, charm of ‘laya’, grace and elegance are not to be expressed but to be experienced. Shama Tai gave me ‘drushti’ to understand dance. She gave me ‘karna’ to listen to the ‘swara’. She gave me ‘shabda’ to express through Abhinaya.  

Production: Receiving my first grant from the UK Arts Council for my project on Mahadev: Story of Shiva was a profoundly blessed feeling. My dear friends Jaivant Patel and Anusha Subramaniam supported me through this journey, filled with challenges from the initial research to creating a pure, traditional Kathak production. The eventual satisfaction of captivating audiences in London, Birmingham, Leicester, and Croydon was unparalleled. This project was an endorsement of my artistic vision, which reinforced my commitment to presenting Kathak in its purist form.  

Pride: My students’ performance at the Purcell Room, Southbank in London is indeed a proud moment. We won the Navadal competition in the under 18 group, which was organised by Akademi and U Dance. That recognition of my student’s ability was a confidence boost. This recognition was an affirmation that I was on the right path as my students had performed traditional Kathak.  

Daughter: My daughter Siya winning the ISTD bursary award for the South Asian category in 2022 was a divine source of strength. Her success was not only a recognition of my teaching and creative narrative, but also a proud validation of our dedication and commitment to the art form. 

Top 10 Ashwini Kalsekar credit Chetan Vadnere copy Ashwini Kalsekar

 Artistry: The richness of south Asian works in UK deeply inspires me. Akram Khan’s Desh transcends brilliance, weaving poignant connections between Britain and Bangladesh, evoking memories of his personal journey. Jaivant Patel’s Waltzing With Blue Gods offers profound insights into his perspective as a queer individual. Urja’s Anushthan presents Kathak in a novel light, igniting the artist within me with its innovative aapproach Sujata Banerjee’s Hemantika festival is eagerly awaited each year by Kathak artists, showcasing the beauty of Indian classical dance. 

 Now: The year 2024 began with a significant achievement for me. It was an honour to receive the Young People’s Dance Championship Award from One Dance UK. The debut of my new choreographic piece Devi delved into the journey of women’s empowerment from the ancient scriptures to contemporary poetry. With the blessings and support of all the wonderful people around me, I eagerly look forward to creating more impactful work.  

Utsav 2024 at Harrow Arts Centre in London on July 21. www.harrowarts.com and Instagram: @kathakashwini 

More For You

Katy Perry seen in black bikini on Capri yacht after Orlando Bloom split
Katy Perry relaxes on deck in a black bikini as she chats with friends
Twitter/info katy perry

Katy Perry seen in black bikini on Capri yacht after Orlando Bloom split

Quick highlights:

  • Katy Perry seen for the first time since confirming split with Orlando Bloom.
  • The singer relaxed on a yacht in Capri with daughter Daisy and close friends.
  • Representatives say the couple has shifted focus to co-parenting after months of changes.
  • Bloom shared cryptic quotes on loneliness while Perry broke down on stage in Australia.

Katy Perry appears to be embracing single life with warmth and grace after confirming her split from actor Orlando Bloom. Just days after their breakup statement, the pop star was seen enjoying a yacht holiday in Capri with her daughter Daisy and longtime friends.

Perry looked composed and at ease as she spent time on the water, marking her first public appearance since the relationship announcement. Dressed in a black bikini, with her hair tied back in a sleek bun, the singer was photographed laughing, hugging friends, and sharing moments with her 4½-year-old daughter.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Beckham family

Mia Regan, Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham, Harper Beckham, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham attend the Netflix 'Beckham' UK Premiere

Getty Images

Brooklyn Beckham’s absence looms over Harper’s birthday as family rift deepens

Quick highlights:

  • Brooklyn Beckham is unlikely to attend Harper’s 14th birthday amid ongoing family tensions.
  • He recently skipped David Beckham’s 50th celebration to attend Nicola Peltz’s father’s birthday in the US.
  • Insiders say Harper is especially hurt as she shares a close bond with Brooklyn.
  • Brooklyn reportedly feels distant from the Beckham family and more connected to Nicola’s side.

The Beckham family is preparing to mark Harper’s 14th birthday this week, but the occasion is expected to be bittersweet. Brooklyn Beckham is not expected to join the celebrations, sparking concerns about a deepening rift between him and the rest of his family.

Once a close-knit unit, tensions reportedly began brewing after Brooklyn married American heiress and actress Nicola Peltz in 2022. Since then, his growing bond with Nicola’s family and increasing distance from his own has been a source of strain, insiders claim.

Keep ReadingShow less
Cardi B shocks Paris Couture Week with live crow and bold Schiaparelli look

Cardi B poses with a live crow outside the Petit Palais in Paris

Instagram/lamodemagazine__

Cardi B shocks Paris Couture Week with live crow and bold Schiaparelli look

Quick highlights:

  • Cardi B appeared at Schiaparelli’s Autumn 2025 couture show in Paris holding a live crow on her arm.
  • Her dramatic black gown was designed by Daniel Roseberry, Schiaparelli’s creative director.
  • The surreal look paid tribute to Elsa Schiaparelli’s legacy of theatrical, boundary-pushing fashion.
  • The show marked a shift in Roseberry’s aesthetic, away from corsetry towards freer silhouettes.

Paris Couture Week opened on a dramatic note this year as Cardi B made a startling entrance at the Petit Palais wearing a black Schiaparelli gown, with a live crow perched on her arm. The rapper’s appearance outside the venue sent photographers scrambling as the bird flapped and squawked, setting the tone for a show rooted in tension, elegance, and surrealism.

The outfit, crafted by Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli’s Autumn 2025 collection, featured graphic fringe and a towering beaded neckline. But it was the crow, alive, glaring, and restless, that stole the spotlight, embodying the fashion house’s long-standing obsession with the unexpected.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kareena Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor joins growing criticism of Prada’s uncredited use of Indian design

Getty Images

Kareena Kapoor mocks Prada with her ‘OG Kolhapuri’ post as fashion giant faces backlash over copied design

Quick highlights:

  • Kareena Kapoor posted a cheeky Instagram Story flaunting Kolhapuri chappals, saying, “Sorry not Prada... but my OG Kolhapuri.”
  • Her post follows outrage over Prada’s ‘toe-ring sandals’ resembling the Indian Kolhapuri design.
  • A PIL has been filed in the Bombay High Court against Prada for unauthorised use of the Kolhapuri style without credit.
  • Prada acknowledged the inspiration and agreed to meet Indian artisans for dialogue.

Kareena Kapoor took a subtle yet sharp swipe at luxury fashion label Prada amid growing controversy around its recently launched ‘toe-ring sandals’, a design that closely mirrors India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals. Without naming the brand, Kareena shared a photo of her feet in silver Kolhapuri slippers during her London vacation and captioned it: “Sorry not Prada... but my OG Kolhapuri ❤️.”

The actor’s post struck a chord with many online, surfacing just days after Prada came under fire for allegedly copying the Kolhapuri design without acknowledgment.

Keep ReadingShow less
Monica Barbaro and Andrew Garfield  at Wimbledon

Garfield and Barbaro twin in Ralph Lauren for their most public appearance yet

Instagram/voguemagazine

Monica Barbaro and Andrew Garfield quietly confirm relationship with Wimbledon appearance

Quick highlights:

  • Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro stepped out in matching Ralph Lauren looks at Wimbledon 2025.
  • The couple shared affectionate moments courtside, including hand-holding and a cheek kiss.
  • They were first linked romantically in February after being spotted at a London play.
  • The pair may reunite on screen in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film Artificial.

Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro made their most public appearance yet as a couple on Sunday, arriving hand-in-hand at Wimbledon 2025 in coordinated white ensembles and sharing subtle yet sweet moments of affection. The actors, who were first rumoured to be dating in February, looked completely in sync as they entered the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on 6 July. Dressed in matching Ralph Lauren outfits, the two smiled for cameras and appeared relaxed throughout the day.

  Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro arrive hand in hand at Wimbledon in all whiteInstagram/voguemagazine

Keep ReadingShow less