Ashna Beena Sashidharan, known after marriage as Ashna Dev, is a Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and teacher whose life has been deeply connected with art from a very early age. Born in Kerala and originally from the Malabar region, particularly Kannur, she has family roots in Thalassery and Payyannur. Her journey reflects dedication, resilience, and an enduring passion for classical dance.
Ashna’s childhood was shaped by a unique upbringing. Her father served in the Indian Navy, which meant that the family frequently moved to different parts of India. Because of this, she had the opportunity to grow up in diverse cultural environments. She spent several years in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam and later in the culturally vibrant city of Kolkata. These experiences exposed her to different traditions and artistic influences that gradually shaped her personality and artistic sensibilities.
Art was always present in Ashna’s family. There were musicians and artists around her, and dance was naturally a part of her surroundings. Her grandmother enjoyed dancing, and her mother was trained in dance and conducted dance classes. Growing up in such an artistic environment meant that Ashna was introduced to the world of dance from a very young age.
One of her earliest memories is of learning a small folk dance from one of her grandfathers, whom she fondly called the “dance appaappa.” She remembers performing as a little child, around five or six years old. At that age, dance felt natural and joyful to her, even before she understood its deeper meaning.
Family gatherings were often filled with music, and her uncles and aunts would ask her to dance. She happily performed for them, simply enjoying the moment. Looking back now, Ashna realizes that these moments of encouragement quietly nurtured her love for dance.
Her mother’s dance classes also played an important role in shaping her interest. Although she was not always the most disciplined student in her early years, she often accompanied her mother and watched her teaching. Being around that creative environment slowly deepened her understanding and sensitivity towards the art form.
During those years, Ashna was living in Kolkata, a city known for its rich cultural atmosphere. She remembers seeing people around her learning music and various art forms. That environment naturally inspired her. Her father was actively involved in cultural associations, and through those connections Ashna received opportunities to perform on stage from a young age.
At that time, she did not fully understand the importance of those opportunities. She was simply a child who enjoyed dancing. However, as she reflects on those experiences today, she realizes how fortunate she was to have been exposed to the stage and the performing arts at such a young age.
Although she did not have very strong technical training in the beginning, audiences often responded warmly to her performances. Some people even told her father that she seemed to have a natural inclination for dance. Their encouragement meant a lot to her family.
A turning point in Ashna’s life came during the 1990s when the renowned dancer and actress Shobhana visited their cultural association and performed. Watching that performance left a deep impression on young Ashna. It was perhaps the first moment when she felt that dance could become something she would carry with her throughout her life, possibly even as a profession.
From that moment, her journey in dance became more conscious and focused.
Before joining college, Ashna had the opportunity to train in Kuchipudi for about five years under Sri Bharani Shankar and Smt. Chetana Shankar. This training gave her a strong foundation in classical dance and strengthened her artistic discipline.
After completing her higher secondary education, with the support of her parents, she joined Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady to pursue a Bachelor’s degree specializing in Bharatanatyam. The artistic atmosphere of the university played a significant role in shaping her identity as a dancer and deepening her commitment to the art form.
She later pursued her Master’s degree in Bharatanatyam at Bangalore University. During this time, she was exposed to a wider artistic world and had the opportunity to watch many renowned performers. These experiences broadened her perspective and inspired her further.
Her dedication and hard work were reflected in her academic achievements, and she completed her Master’s degree with second rank.
After completing her studies, Ashna married Vimal Dev, a creative individual with interests in design and filmmaking. Soon after, in 2014, their daughter was born, bringing a new and meaningful chapter into her life.
For a few years, Ashna focused primarily on family life and motherhood. Motherhood brought many beautiful changes. She devoted herself completely to raising her daughter and embracing that phase of life.
When her daughter turned two, Ashna slowly began taking small steps back into dance. She gradually returned to practice, choreography, and occasional performances.
The journey back into dance was gradual and not without challenges. Like many artists who pause their careers for family responsibilities, Ashna experienced moments of self-doubt and emotional struggle. At times, she felt she was not doing enough as an artist. However, motherhood also gave her strength, patience, and a new sense of balance.
The constant encouragement and support of her husband, parents, family members, and close friends helped her remain connected to her artistic path.
Over time, Ashna rediscovered her relationship with dance in a deeper and more meaningful way. Bharatanatyam became a space for inner peace and reflection. She began exploring choreography that resonated with her personal and artistic journey.
One such work was based on “Kundalini Pattu” by Sree Narayana Guru, which explores the concept of inner awakening and spiritual balance. Through such works, Ashna began expressing ideas that connected art with philosophy and human experience.
Teaching has remained a constant part of her life. Working with students has helped her stay connected to dance even during difficult periods. Their enthusiasm and dedication have always been a powerful source of motivation.
In 2018, Ashna appeared for the NET examination and successfully qualified on her first attempt. This achievement gave her renewed confidence and reaffirmed her commitment to both academic and artistic pursuits.
Today, Ashna Dev continues to learn, perform, choreograph, and teach with deep gratitude for the support she has received throughout her journey. Dance remains an essential part of her life and identity.
Looking ahead, she dreams of bringing to life a project that she has been quietly developing for several years. She is also interested in pursuing research in dance and expanding her understanding of the art form.
For Ashna, dance is much more than performance. It is a medium for expressing emotions, reflecting on life, and exploring human experiences. Through her work, she hopes to create performances that speak about love, connection, emotions, and inner strength.
She also has a strong interest in styling and aesthetics and hopes to explore creative possibilities in that direction.
One of her long-cherished dreams is to create a small art space where artists and art lovers can come together for workshops, performances, and meaningful artistic interactions in a peaceful and inspiring environment.
Above all, Ashna hopes to continue growing as an artist while raising her daughter in a home filled with creativity, love, and appreciation for the arts.
Her journey reflects perseverance, passion, and the belief that art has the power to transform both the artist and the audience.
