Asavari Pawar

🪔 About

Asavari Pawar is an acclaimed Kathak exponent, choreographer, educator, writer, and cultural ambassador, often referred to as the "Dancing Jewel of India". She inherited her passion for Kathak from her illustrious father, Padmashri Guru Pratap Pawar, MBE, a leading exponent of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak. Asavari began her dance training at the age of eight as a member of her father's renowned dance troupe, Triveni, in London. While pursuing her education in the United Kingdom, she developed a strong foundation in classical arts. After her marriage and return to India, she underwent intensive training under the legendary Pt. Vijay Shankar, further refining her mastery of Kathak and its intricate rhythmic dimensions. Her versatile training also extends to classical vocal music under Smt. Girija Devi, ballet, African folk dance with Haitian Ballerina Madame Lavinia Williams, Odissi under Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, and theatre under Shri Satyadev Dubey. Asavari Pawar has a distinguished career as a performer and teacher, known for her expressive abhinaya and refined command of rhythm. She is the founder of Kalaashish, an institution dedicated to promoting Indian classical arts globally and nurturing young talent. Through Kalaashish, she presents her students in various productions, often with social themes, such as "Kanya" (on the girl child) and "Navras" (exploring nine emotions). Her acclaimed productions include "The Coat," which won a prestigious award, and "The Golden Paayal," an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Red Shoes". Other notable works include "Mahishasura Mardini," "A Prayer for Peace," "Satrang," and "Woman". Beyond her artistic pursuits, Asavari has worked as a cultural journalist, dance critic, television anchor, and educator, contributing to bringing classical arts into mainstream cultural discourse. She spent her formative years in Trinidad, Guyana, and England before settling in India. Awards & Honours: The Major Award (1991), Sarojini Naidu Award, Pride of India Award, Kiran Achievement Award (Woman of Excellence), Award of Achievement in Art & Culture.