Ashmi Shrimali is a passionate Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and performer from Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Over 17+ years of classical dance training.
Guided by Guru Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan ,nalanda university
Bharatanatyam, folk, kathak, Jazz & contemporary dance
The Journey of Ashmi Shrimali – Dancer, Choreographer, and Performer
In a world that moves at lightning speed, some stories remind us to pause, breathe, and find meaning in tradition. One such story is that of Ashmi Shrimali — a young dancer from Jodhpur who is gracefully blending the classical with the contemporary, carrying centuries of culture through every step she takes.
A Spark Ignited in Childhood
Ashmi was born on November 15, 2005, in the royal city of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, a place rich in art, heritage, and stories whispered through generations. It didn’t take long for her family to notice that she had something special — a natural rhythm, an expressive spirit, and an unspoken love for movement.
Even as a student at Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls Public School, Ashmi wasn’t just juggling academics and extracurriculars — she was nurturing a deep-rooted passion. That passion led her to train under none other than Padma Bhushan Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan, a legend in the world of Bharatanatyam. Under her strict yet nurturing guidance, Ashmi learned that dance is more than just movement — it’s a spiritual discipline, a story woven through time.
A Dream Realized: The Arangetram
Ten years of relentless practice, countless rehearsals, sore feet, and soulful dedication culminated in one unforgettable moment — her Arangetram in Delhi on August 7 2022. For a classical dancer, an Arangetram is not just a debut performance; it’s a rite of passage, a statement of readiness to take on the stage solo. And Ashmi didn’t just take the stage — she owned it. The audience was captivated by her precision, expression, and the sheer grace she brought to every movement.
Where Tradition Meets Academia
While her journey as a performer was already impressive, Ashmi knew she had more to learn — more depth to explore. That path led her to Nalanda Nrityakala Mahavidyalaya in Mumbai, one of India’s most respected institutions for classical dance.
Founded by the late Padma Bhushan Dr. Kanak Rele, Nalanda is not just a college — it’s a temple of learning where art meets intellect. Dr. Rele’s vision has created a space where students like Ashmi can study the history, philosophy, and technical mastery of dance alongside practical training.
Today, Nalanda is led by Uma Rele ma’am, a remarkable artist and academic who continues to carry forward the legacy with wisdom and grace. Ashmi often says that learning at Nalanda has deepened her relationship with dance — giving her a new lens to understand not just how to perform, but why we perform.
More Than a Dancer
Ashmi’s journey isn’t just about personal milestones — it’s about sharing her art with the world. Over the years, she has:
* Organized free workshops, making Bharatanatyam more accessible and breaking the stereotype that classical arts are only for a niche audience.
* Performed at prestigious events like the Police Pride Award and SN Club’s Sawan Mahotsav 2023, where her art moved audiences.
* Opened the play Pukaar with a Bharatanatyam piece that set an emotionally powerful tone, earning critical praise.
* And she represented India internationally — performing at a cultural festival in Poland from June 28 to July 10 2023, carrying Indian heritage across borders.
Recognition has followed her efforts. On Jodhpur’s 565th foundation day, she was awarded the Saraswati Seva Samman by the Lok Sangeet Mand Sewa Sansthan — a nod to her growing influence as a cultural ambassador.
A Versatile Performer
While Bharatanatyam is her first love, Ashmi has also explored folk and Bollywood dance. Her vibrant folk performance of Shubh Din caught fire online, racking up over 2.2 million views — a testament to her ability to connect with both traditional and modern audiences.
The Soul Behind the Artist
What grounds Ashmi is not just her talent, but her humility and depth of character. She often credits her gurus — Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan and now her mentors at Nalanda — for shaping her journey. For her, dance is not just art; it’s storytelling, healing, a way to reflect and question the world we live in.
Off-stage, Ashmi is like any young woman with many interests. She enjoys swimming, reading, cooking, and traveling. Fluent in Hindi and English, she carries the ease of modernity while staying deeply connected to her roots.
The Road Ahead
Ashmi Shrimali’s story is still being written, but what’s clear is that she is walking her path with purpose, grace, and fire. Her journey inspires not just dancers, but anyone with a dream — reminding us that with dedication and heart, tradition can be a powerful force for expression and change.
She’s not just a performer. She’s a storyteller, a student, a trailblazer, and a torchbearer of India’s cultural soul.
Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan, a Padma Bhushan awardee and leading exponent of Bharatanatyam.
Ashmi’s Arangetram, held on August 7, 2022, in Delhi, marked her formal debut as a solo Bharatanatyam performer. It symbolizes years of rigorous training and dedication under her guru, Padma Bhushan Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan, and established her as a committed classical dancer ready to perform on professional stages.
Yes. While Bharatanatyam remains her core discipline, Ashmi has also trained and performed in folk and Bollywood dance forms. Her folk video “Shubh Din” gained viral popularity with over 2.2 million views, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Yes. Ashmi is committed to making Bharatanatyam accessible to all, regardless of financial background. She regularly organizes free workshops, both online and offline, to share her knowledge with aspiring dancers and promote cultural appreciation.
You can attend Ashmi’s workshops by following her on Instagram or visiting her official website , where she announces upcoming sessions. She offers both paid and free workshops, available in-person Ofline and online, making it convenient for participants across the world.
In a world constantly shifting between heritage and innovation, Ashmi Shrimali stands as a rare artist who gracefully bridges both. A classically trained Bharatanatyam dancer, Ashmi is not only a performer but a storyteller — one who uses movement as a medium to connect, heal, and inspire. A Versatile Performer with a Magnetic Presence While […]
