Asha Sharath

Biography:

Asha Sharath, a proficient Indian classical dancer and actress, is predominantly active in Malayalam films and TV soaps. With expertise in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, and Kathakali, she gained prominence through the TV soap “Kumkumapoovu” (2011–14). Renowned for her roles in films such as “Zachariayude Garbhinikal” (2013), “Drishyam” (2013), “Varsham” (2014), “Angels” (2014), “Papanasam” (2015), “King Liar” (2016), “Anuraga Karikkin Vellam” (2016), “Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol” (2017), “Pullikkaran Staraa” (2017), and “Bhaagamathie” (2018), she earned two Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actress for her remarkable performances in “Drishyam” and “Anuraga Karikkin Vellam.”

Asha Sharath born to V. S. Krishnan Kutty and Kalamandalam Sumathi, grew up in a family deeply connected to the world of classical dance. Kalamandalam Sumathi, a celebrated dancer and the managing director of Natyalaya School of Classical Dance, received prestigious awards such as Sangeetha Nataka Academy Fellowship, Kerala Kalamandalam Award, and a National Award from Akshaya.

Asha’s journey into Indian classical dance began under the guidance of her mother at the age of three, influenced and inspired by her father and brothers, Balagopal and Venugopal. Having graduated from Sree Sankara College Kalady, Asha relocated to Dubai in 1995 after marrying T. V. Sharath, where they have since settled with their two daughters, Uthara and Keerthana.

Dance is a legacy inherited by Asha from her legendary mother, Smt. Kalamandalam Sumathy. She stands out as an exceptional dancer among contemporary young Indian classical dancers, earning numerous accolades. Asha’s initial mentors in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattom were her mother and uncle Ravikumar, while she learned Kuchipudi from Guru Vinayachandran Master and Anitha Janaki Teacher.

Additionally, she delved into Kathakali with guidance from the late Darpana Govindan Namboothiri, Kalanilayam Madhu, and RLV Radhakrishnan. After marrying T. V. Sharath in 1995, Asha moved to Dubai, where she joined Radio Asia FM and worked as an RJ and program producer for eight years. In 2003, she fulfilled her dream by establishing Kairali Kalakendram, affiliated with Natyalaya, a renowned dance institute founded 52 years ago by Kalamandalam Sumathy.

The institute, recognized by the Government of India, extends its influence to branches in Brazil, the UK, and the USA. Asha’s exceptional achievements as a dancer have earned her various awards, including the Swathi Thirunal Award, Akshaya Desiya Award, Kaladarpana Award, and Mayilpeeli Award by Guruvayur Devaswom. Her acting career took off when she received the Best Second Actress award for the telefilm “Nizhalum Nilavum Parayunnathu” and subsequently played Prof Jayanthi in the popular mega serial “Kunkumappoovu,” marking a breakthrough.

Her film journey, beginning with “Friday,” includes notable works such as “Karmayodha,” “Buddy,” “Drishyam,” “Papanasam,” “Anuraga Karikkin Vellam,” and many more. Asha has received numerous awards for her acting, including Filmfare, Asianet Film, North American Film, Vanitha Film, and Asiavision awards. Notable wins encompass Best Supporting Actress for “Anuraga Karikkin Vellam,” Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress in “Drishyam,” and accolades from Jaihind TV, Amrutha TV, and Asianet. Her contributions have been recognized with awards from various institutions, making her a celebrated figure in both the dance and film realms.