Rajashree Shirke

🪔 About

Rajashree Shirke, born on November 15, 1951, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, is a highly respected Indian classical dancer, guru, choreographer, and educationist. Over four decades, she has made significant contributions to the Kathak dance form, while also exploring new dimensions within Indian Classical Dance. Shirke is an exponent of both Kathak and Bharatanatyam, having undergone deep and prolonged practical study in both styles. She received her initial Kathak training from Guru D.S. Satamkar and later undertook rigorous and extensive training in all three Kathak Gharanas – Lucknow, Banaras, and Jaipur – under the tutelage of Late Guru (Smt.) Madhurita Sarang. She also holds a Master's Degree in Indian Classical Dance in Bharatanatyam from Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai University, and a Master's degree in Hindi literature. Shirke is the Founder-Director and Principal of the Lasya Centre For Dance Education and Research, an institution she established in 1984. Lasya offers University-certified Diploma courses in both Kathak and Bharatanatyam and hosts an annual festival called Yatra. As a performer, she has graced stages extensively in India and abroad. Her choreographic works include notable productions like "MATA HIDIMBA," for which she was nominated for a Maharashtra Times Sanman Award for Best Actress, and "Mandodari ka satya," a unique Kathak storytelling presentation. She is also recognized for her research, including "Madan Samhara," a study of the Avadhi language in Tulsidas' "Ramcharitra Manas". Rajashree Shirke is actively involved in imparting dance training to underprivileged children. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2013), Aadarsh Shikshak (Ideal Teacher) award (2007), Marathi Sahitya Sangha Award for work in Experimental Theatre (2003), Marathi Sahitya Sangha Award for Creativity in Sangeet Natak (2006), BEST ACTRESS award for short film “PAHAAT” (2018).