Nalini Asthana

🪔 About

Nalini Asthana is a highly acclaimed Indian classical Kathak dancer, scholar, and educator, renowned for her profound contributions to the Varanasi Gharana of Kathak. Often performing as part of the celebrated sister duo Nalini-Kamalini Asthana, she has dedicated over five decades to preserving, teaching, and expanding Indian classical dance traditions. Born in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and raised in Delhi, Nalini Asthana, along with her sister Kamalini, began her Kathak journey in 1973 under the tutelage of Kathak maestro Guru Jitendra Maharaj of the Varanasi Gharana. Their arangetram, or debut performance, took place in Kochi, Kerala, in the same year. In 1975, Nalini and Kamalini co-founded the Sangeetka Institute of Performing Arts in Delhi, an institution dedicated to imparting training in Kathak and classical music. As a performer, Nalini Asthana has graced numerous stages across India and internationally, including the UK, USA, Germany, France, Spain, Norway, and the Middle East. She is recognized for her artistic expression, combining classical traditions with educational value, and for her role in popularizing the Benaras Gharana style of Kathak. Her work encompasses spiritual and cultural productions, innovative choreographies, and mythological interpretations. The duo also created a film titled "Voyage of Kathak" for The Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) and conducted lecture-demonstrations at various universities and academic institutions globally. A notable achievement includes setting a record by dancing at an altitude of 18,000 feet at Kailash Mansarovar and Badri Nath. Nalini Asthana's dedication extends to cultural documentation, research projects, and educational programs that integrate dance with social and academic themes, fostering cultural values and artistic awareness among students. Awards & Honours: Padma Shri (2022).