Shilpa Shirodkar returns to Kathak after 35 years, trained under Gopi Krishna
Synopsis
Shilpa Shirodkar has returned to Kathak after 35 years — and she is doing it at the very school where she first trained under the legendary Gopi Krishna. The actress shared a video performing an elementary toda sequence, sparking a wave of nostalgia. It is a rare public tribute to both a dying classical tradition and an iconic guru.
Key Takeaways
Shilpa Shirodkar returned to learning Kathak after a gap of 35 years .
She trained at the same school where she first learned the dance form under legendary choreographer Gopi Krishna .
Shirodkar shared a video performing a toda — an elementary Kathak sequence — to the rhythm of the tabla and Kathak bols .
The actress debuted in Bhrashtachar (1989) and rose to prominence through films including Hum , Khuda Gawah , and Gaja Gamini .
She reportedly revealed she was once considered for the 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' sequence in Dil Se.. , a role that went to Malaika Arora .
Shirodkar has returned to the spotlight after more than a decade away, most recently through Bigg Boss 18 and upcoming project Jatadhara .
Actress Shilpa Shirodkar has returned to learning Kathak after a gap of 35 years, revisiting the classical dance form she first trained in under the legendary Gopi Krishna — celebrated Kathak dancer, choreographer, and Hindi cinema icon. Shirodkar shared a glimpse of her emotional return to the dance floor via a video posted on her social media account.
Back on the Floor
In the video, Shirodkar is seen performing a toda — an elementary-level Kathak sequence — moving in sync with the rhythmic beats of the tabla and the accompanying Kathak bols. She was dressed in a white chikankari outfit paired with red churidar-style bottoms and traditional ghungroos — ankle bells integral to classical Kathak performance.
Alongside the video, she wrote: '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! #ShilpaShirodkar #Kathak'
The Legacy of Gopi Krishna
Gopi Krishna was one of the most prominent figures in Indian classical dance and Hindi cinema. Classically trained in Kathak, he went on to choreograph numerous Hindi films, leaving an enduring mark on both performing arts traditions. His influence on generations of dancers, including Shirodkar, remains widely acknowledged in the Indian arts community.
Shilpa Shirodkar: Career and Comeback
Shirodkar launched her acting career with Bhrashtachar in 1989 and became one of the prominent actresses of the 1990s. Her filmography includes Kishan Kanhaiya, Hum, Khuda Gawah, Aankhen, Gopi Kishan, Pehchaan, Mrityu Dand, Jai Hind, and Gaja Gamini, among others. She shared screen space with Amitabh Bachchan in both Hum and Khuda Gawah, and worked alongside Anil Kapoor, Govinda, Jackie Shroff, and Suniel Shetty during her peak years.
She is notably remembered for song sequences including 'Sanam Mere Sanam' from Hum and 'Chhatri Na Khol Barsaat Mein' from Gopi Kishan. Interestingly, Shirodkar had reportedly recalled that she was once considered for the iconic 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' sequence from Dil Se.. opposite Shah Rukh Khan, a role that eventually went to Malaika Arora.
After stepping away from films for more than a decade, Shirodkar returned to public attention through her appearance on Bigg Boss 18. She has since taken on new projects, including the upcoming Jatadhara.
Why This Moment Resonates
The return to Kathak is more than a personal milestone — it connects to a broader cultural moment in which classical Indian dance forms are seeing renewed interest among artists and audiences alike. For Shirodkar, performing at the very school where she trained under Gopi Krishna adds a layer of historical and emotional significance that has clearly struck a chord with her followers. How this renewed engagement with the arts shapes her next creative chapter remains to be seen.
Point of View
A senior actress performing an elementary toda at a Kathak school is quietly subversive. Whether this translates into sustained advocacy for classical dance, or remains a social media moment, will be the real story.
NationPress
1 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Shilpa Shirodkar return to Kathak after 35 years?
Shilpa Shirodkar returned to learning Kathak at the school where she originally trained under the legendary dancer and choreographer Gopi Krishna, citing nostalgia and gratitude. She shared a video of the experience on her social media, calling it an 'overflowing heart' moment.
Who was Gopi Krishna, Shilpa Shirodkar's Kathak guru?
Gopi Krishna was a celebrated Indian classical dancer and choreographer, classically trained in Kathak, who also became a prominent figure in Hindi cinema by choreographing numerous films. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential Kathak practitioners of his generation.
What is a 'toda' in Kathak, as performed by Shilpa Shirodkar?
A toda is an elementary-level rhythmic sequence in Kathak classical dance, typically performed to the accompaniment of tabla beats and vocal bols. It is one of the foundational units of Kathak choreography and a standard starting point for both beginners and those returning to the form.
What films is Shilpa Shirodkar known for?
Shilpa Shirodkar is best known for 1990s Hindi films including Hum, Khuda Gawah, Aankhen, Gopi Kishan, and Gaja Gamini. She shared screen space with Amitabh Bachchan in Hum and Khuda Gawah, and appeared alongside Anil Kapoor, Govinda, Jackie Shroff, and Suniel Shetty.
What is Shilpa Shirodkar currently working on?
After returning to the spotlight via Bigg Boss 18, Shilpa Shirodkar has taken on new projects including the upcoming Jatadhara. Her renewed public presence and this Kathak return mark an active second chapter in her career.
