Having been performing Kathak for over five decades, Nalini finds immense joy and fulfillment in dance, considering it an integral part of her life. Her efforts to infuse Kathak with spirituality earned her the prestigious Padma Shri Award. She gave 185 performances in a Europe tour, spreading the beauty of Kathak worldwide.

Nalini Asthana is a Kathak performer and the Director of the Sangeetka Institute of Performing Arts, New Delhi.

Nalini hails from Agra but grew up in Delhi after her family moved there due to her father's transfer. Under the tutelage of Guru Jitendra Maharaj, she mastered the Benaras Gharana style of Kathak, which she now teaches to her students. She is passionate about spreading Indian classical dance worldwide and has received the prestigious Padma Shri Award for her contributions.

Nalini fondly reminisces about her childhood, recalling how she completed her education and dance training in Delhi. Her father, an Air Force officer, played a pivotal role in supporting her and her sister, Kamlini, in their artistic pursuits. Having just a one-year age gap, Nalini and Kamalini shared a strong bond due to their similar zodiac signs, which fostered excellent coordination between them. Together, they ventured into sports and dance, accompanying each other every step of the way.

From a young age, Nalini displayed a natural talent for embracing and mastering artistic endeavors. Encouraged by her mother, who hailed from a musical background, her passion for dance flourished. Alongside her artistic pursuits, she also excelled in athletics, becoming a national champion for six consecutive years.

During their schooling years, Nalini and Kamalini consistently occupied the top positions in various competitions, earning accolades and prizes along the way. Their achievements provided them with valuable exposure and nurtured their growth in an environment devoid of restrictions.

She reflects on how her dance guru played a crucial role in shaping her passion for dance, guiding her towards understanding its spiritual essence. Under his mentorship, she delved deep into the spiritual aspects of dance. She performed at sacred sites like Devalayas and the 12 Jyotirlingas, along with dance at Kailash Mansarovar in 2003 and Banke Bihari Temple in 1997.

Throughout her career, Nalini has graced numerous significant events, including performances at various Kumbh Melas, the sacred site of Badrinath, all the Shakti Peethas, in Rishikesh and temples across the country. Her efforts to reconnect Kathak with spirituality have been recognized and celebrated, culminating in her and her sister being conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri awards for their contributions in bridging the gap between Kathak and spiritual traditions.

Despite facing societal stigmas that often viewed dance as an inferior profession, she remained undeterred. She tirelessly worked to elevate the status of Kathak by emphasizing its spiritual significance, striving to instill respect and reverence for the art form. Through her perseverance and dedication, she sought to restore the spiritual essence of Kathak, leaving an indelible mark on the world for classical dance.

Talking about her journey, Nalini says that initially she did Chemical Engineering, but after joining her guru, she earned her MA in History. Despite facing the tragic loss of her father at a young age, she persevered, embarking on a journey to prove herself and pursue her passion. Under her guru's tutelage, she not only completed her MA in History but also gained invaluable experience in the field of dance. Balancing her studies during the day with dance practice at night, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her craft. Her early exposure to stage performances helped her develop a natural ease on stage, free from any stage fright. She also studied Nritya Sampoorna Yoga and the Therapeutic Values of Dance.

Nalini's artistic vision extended beyond traditional boundaries. She incorporated various compositions, including 'kavya and dohas,' into her performances, aiming to raise awareness about India's rich cultural heritage. Introducing the pre-Mughal style in her dance, she received immediate acclaim from her audiences.

In 1983, Nalini embarked on a 15-day international tour to Paris and Spain. She also delivered demonstration lectures at prestigious educational institutions in London, such as the Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester Universities, and the London School of Economics, among others. She gave 185 performances on the tour.

Additionally, she collaborated with the Inner London Education Authority to create the film "Voyage of Kathak," which illustrates the evolution of the dance form through its three stages: pre-Mughal, medieval, and modern.

Nalini recalls a memorable incident during their demonstration lectures at schools in London. Despite encountering resistance from one school initially, she persisted and convinced the principal to allow them to give a small demonstration lecture. Connecting the basics of dance to the students' daily lives, she captivated the audience for an hour and a half. By the end of the session, all the students were eager to learn more and enthusiastically agreed to attend their workshop.

When asked about her role models, Nalini says she draws inspiration from several role models, including Yamini Krishnamurthy for her presentation style, as well as her gurus Jitendra Maharaj and Krishna Kumar Maharaj, whom she holds in high regard for their guidance and mentorship.

When it comes to attaining mental peace, Nalini believes in the power of self-perception. She emphasizes the importance of seeing oneself in a positive light, asserting that this mindset can ward off feelings of depression. For her, art serves as a beacon of enlightenment, enriching one's vision and filling life with meaning.

Nalini's life mantra revolves around the pursuit of perfection, coordination, and beauty. She is dedicated to spreading happiness and finds joy in every moment of her life.

Through her commitment to her craft and her philosophy of embracing life's beauty, Nalini continues to inspire others with her positivity and passion for dance.