Youth Voice Series - Interview w/ Grishma Shukla

As part of our YOUTH VOICES SERIES, we share an interview with Grishma Shukla. Grishma began learning kathak at Pandit Chitresh Das’ institution in 2010 after studying jazz and tap for a year. She then auditioned and was accepted in to the youth company. She has since performed at the San Francisco Opera House, the Asian Art Museum, Z Space, San Mateo Performing Arts Center, and the tribute to Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra in 2023.

CDI interviewed Grishma in anticipation of her Youth Company Senior Graduating Showcase performance, Nritya Ki Shakti on August 5, 2023 at the College of San Mateo at 5pm. Click here for tickets

Q; What do you want people to know about your kathak journey?

Grishma: I have been doing Kathak since I was 4, so it has become much more than just a dance for me. I remember memorizing the Nine Principles, learning about Sanatan Dharm, presenting research on historical figures like Shah Jahaan and Jahangir, and learning basic interpersonal skills through performances. Kathak has instilled several values in me and taught me several lessons that are applicable outside of dance as well. I wouldn’t be the same person without Kathak. 

Q: What has it been like working with Charlotte Didi to prepare for your graduating showcase?

Grishma: I am extremely grateful for having this opportunity to work so closely with Charlotte Didi. I have really enjoyed collaborating and creating pieces with her, and I have so much more respect for what she does as a choreographer and guru. 

I’m also thankful for all the challenges and opportunities Charlotte Didi has given me, through the Youth Company. Despite my nervousness at the beginning of this process, I have come to realize that this showcase is a culmination of all the training I’ve had throughout those years. It’s because of all those experiences that I am able to reach this stage in my dance today. 

Working with Charlotte Didi has challenged me to be more thoughtful about my dance, too. From just following choreography, to having so much freedom to curate pieces and stories for this showcase.

Charlotte Didi has pushed me to be the best version of myself, especially throughout these months, and I’ve seen a lot of growth in myself thanks to that. I still have so much more to learn.

Q: How does it feel to be carrying on the tradition of Pandit Chitresh Das?

Grishma: Dada ji was such a charismatic and versatile dancer, and I am incredibly honored to have learned from him and to be part of his legacy. 

There’s a lot of research involved in this solo journey as well, so, especially over these last couple months, my family and I have watched several of his videos from over the years and I am constantly in awe of all his choreographies, expressions and stage presence. There is so much to learn from him, even now. 

I hope he’d be proud to see where we all are (as dancers and as people) today.

Q:  What is something that you have discovered through dance that you would like to share?

Grishma: It’s important to remember that some days are good, and some days are bad. You just have to keep working at it, and it will get easier. Keep pushing yourself, it’ll all pay off. 

Another thing that I’ve found valuable is always doing your best in whatever you do and constantly trying to improve. Consistently practicing the wrong thing is going to do more harm than anything else.

Q: Where are you going to university and what are you most excited about learning there?

Grishma: I am going to the University of Southern California (USC) for computer engineering. I am more than excited to take advantage of all the opportunities there and shape my future based on the things I enjoy doing. I hope to explore a lot of different areas of study and meet a lot of new people!

Q: What is one thing about learning kathak that you think people should know?

Grishma: Kathak is not easy. It takes an incredible amount of devotion, practice and sacrifice. There’s so much more than what you see on stage. Each movement that the audience sees has been practiced countless times: from the posture, to the expression, to the head movement, to the footwork, to the hastaks. 

Q:  If you were to send a message of advice to your 10 year old self, what would you tell her?

Grishma: I would tell her to be more confident. Being self-conscious and afraid all the time isn’t going to help anyone and it’s impossible to see any growth or improvement without being uncomfortable first. 

I would also tell her to ask a lot of questions and build more relationships. You never know the guidance and help you can get from simply talking to others. Throughout my first solo journey, I received loads of help from the people around me and I’m really grateful for each and every one of them. 

For more information about the Chitresh Das Youth Company and other programs, visit www.chitreshdasinstitute.org.

Photo of Grishma Shukla by Rama Sivamani