Shilpa Shirodkar Returns to Kathak After 35 Years, Revisits Her Training With Gopi Krishna

Shirodkar recently shared a video on social media capturing her return to the dance floor at the same institution where she had trained decades ago.

In the video, the actress performs a basic-level Kathak *toda*, accompanying the rhythmic movements with traditional footwork as she follows the beats of the tabla and Kathak *bols*.

Sharing the video, Shirodkar described the experience as an emotional return to a familiar space.

"Back on the floor after 35 years at the very school where I learned Kathak from Gopi Krishna ji. So much nostalgia, familiar rhythms and an overflowing heart. So grateful to dance again!" she wrote.

For the performance, Shirodkar wore a white chikankari outfit with red churidar-style bottoms and traditional ghungroos around her ankles. The video shows her working through the rhythmic footwork and movements associated with Kathak.

Gopi Krishna, under whom Shirodkar originally trained, was one of the prominent figures associated with Kathak and Hindi cinema. A trained classical dancer, he went on to work extensively as a choreographer in Indian films while continuing his association with classical dance.

Shirodkar began her film career with *Bhrashtachar* in 1989 and became a familiar face in Hindi cinema during the 1990s.

Her film credits from the period include *Kishan Kanhaiya*, *Hum*, *Khuda Gawah*, *Aankhen*, *Gopi Kishan*, *Pehchaan*, *Mrityu Dand*, *Jai Hind* and *Gaja Gamini*.

She shared the screen with Amitabh Bachchan in *Hum* and *Khuda Gawah*, while also working with actors such as Anil Kapoor, Govinda, Jackie Shroff and Suniel Shetty.

Shirodkar also appeared in popular song sequences including "Sanam Mere Sanam" from *Hum* and "Chhatri Na Khol Barsaat Mein" from *Gopi Kishan*.

The actress had recently spoken about being considered for the iconic "Chaiyya Chaiyya" sequence from *Dil Se..*, which eventually featured Shah Rukh Khan and Malaika Arora.

After spending more than a decade away from mainstream films, Shirodkar returned to the public spotlight with her participation in *Bigg Boss 18*. She has since continued exploring new acting opportunities, including the upcoming project *Jatadhara*.

Her return to Kathak now marks another connection with an important part of her early life, bringing her back to a dance form she first learned more than three decades ago.