Ashrita discovered a latent passion for Kuchipudi under her Gurus Sri. Kishore Mosalikanti and Smt. Padmavani Mosalikanti. Prophesied even in her infancy, by her spiritual Guru Swami Chinmayananda, that she would become a renowned dancer, his words seem to ring true in her dance today. She finds life’s fulfillment by perfecting this divine art form.

 

In the short span of her dancing career since her Rangapravesam in May 2009, she has been privileged to perform in several distinguished cultural organizations. Recently in September 2019, Ashrita became the only Kuchipudi artiste in the world to be featured in The New York Times video series, SpeakingInDance, a weekly series exploring the world of dance.

 

As an integral part of all the major productions of her Guru, she has had the opportunity to hone her skills in all aspects of stage-craft. A solo career in the last decade, in addition to donning the hat of a teacher, has helped her blossom forth professionally and personally.

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She has won critical acclaim for her work and has also received several accolades and awards such as

• a City council citation from the city of New York, in recognition for her art​

• Grade ‘B’ artiste from Doordarshan, Chennai

• ‘She’ Award for Dance from Viswa & Devji and WE Magazine in 2018 

• ‘Kalai Kalanjiyam’ Award from Kalaikoodam Academy of Performing Arts Trust, Madurai in 2018

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With a Masters' degree in Counselling Psychology, Ashrita strives to achieve a balance between family, dance and home. She hopes to continue her voyage of self-discovery through dance as a passion and service to children through her profession, while seeking to promote Kuchipudi through her performances, as vibrant and graceful dance form.

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Ashrita currently writes for the Deccan Herald in Bengaluru. Her work includes conversations with Bharatanatyam artistes, Smt. Nandini Ramani and Daya Tomiko, Kuchipudi Gurus Shri Kishore and Smt. Padmavani Mosalikanti and internationally acclaimed Kuchipudi and Contemporary dancer, Shantala Shivalingappa.