Hear from all those who have experienced the joy of dancing at Deepam
“Aishwarya’s dedication to learn constantly and teach with encouragement and enthusiasm, altering the class based on the capacity of her students, is what makes her an excellent guide for the young and the old, into this beautiful world of Odissi.” Read More
Shefali Mendon

“I joined Deepam under the dynamism of Aishwarya who has proved to be a tremendous source of encouragement and an excellent teacher of Odissi. Her patient yet rigorous classes make me walk out with a sense of euphoria no matter how tired I am at the end of a working day!!” Read more…
Dr Ragini Vaishnav

Odissi dancer, Ladies batch
My association with Aishwarya dates back to when the spritely young teenager performed her elegantly choreographed arangetram at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel. Her proud parents honoured me with the role of the mistress of ceremonies for the evening which I thoroughly enjoyed as I watched Aishwarya perform with great elan under the eagle eye of her zealous guru Deepak Roy!!
Having seen professional Odissi performances in my college years I was totally mesmerized by Sonal Mansingh and others. I admired this graceful and sensuous dance form for many years however never got to learn it. In September 2018 I joined Deepam under the dynamism of Aishwarya who has proved to be a tremendous source of encouragement and an excellent teacher of Odissi. Her patient yet rigorous classes make me walk out with a sense of euphoria no matter how tired I am at the end of a working day!! My journey with Odissi has just begun but I feel confident that with Aishwarya I will continue on this path no matter how hard it gets ! Thank you Aishwarya for having faith in me and for your wonderful attitude as you make me a part of the Odissi odyssey!!

Dr. Ragini Vaishnav

Odissi dancer, Ladies Batch
All my life I have always had multiple crushes on different dance forms but somehow the classical dance forms have always remained my serious affairs. After a formal training in Bharatnatyam I always wanted to venture into a different form, it just took an informal suggestion by one of my friends regarding Deepam classes and Odissi. To be brutally honest I had absolutely no idea regarding the dance form and the class either but decided to give it a try..n look..my affair is gradually getting stronger and shaping up beautifully. I started enjoying my chaukas and tribhangis ,like minded women who are equally dedicated and passionate about the dance started inspiring me..the atmosphere , flexibility ,support as a student offered is commendable..and Deepam is blessed with a guru who can double up as a friend, pushing to get us over there , encouraging to push our limits , considering our problems gives all the more reason to enjoy Odissi

Chitra Nair

Odissi Performer
The first time I saw an Odissi performance was when I was 5 years old and since then, it called out to me. Guru Deepak Roy lovingly took me in as one of his first youngest students and taught me not just this beautiful dance form but life lessons that I carry with me to this day. He became like my second father with whom I used to spend a huge part of my days dancing, talking and, sometimes, eating the small dishes he used to make. Aishwarya, who has now taken over from our Guru, is not just my teacher but a friend and someone who continues to inspire and push me to find my way in life. Deepam has been and always will be a huge part of me and now, even 13 years later, I consider myself to still be an amateur who has just begun to venture into this world.

Tamoghna Dey

Odissi Dancer, 1st batch of Deepam.
I started learning Odissi way back in 1994 with Sir and the word “Sir” took a whole other meaning in my home after that. My family knew who I was talking about when I said “Sir”, because there was no other teacher for whom I had so much love, respect and appreciation. Being trained by Sir for so many years, he instilled in us a love for the arts, a keen eye for detail, the importance of working towards perfection and the joy of dancing.
It brings me so much happiness to see Aishwarya taking over from Sir. Her dedication to learn constantly and teach with encouragement and enthusiasm, altering the class based on the capacity of her students, is what makes her an excellent guide for the young and the old, into this beautiful world of Odissi. I wish Sir, Aishwarya and Deepam all the very best for the new and exciting events which lie ahead.
With lots of love and warm hugs,
Shefali

Shefali Mendon

Deepam student
My testimonial – I joined Deepam odissi classes due to my passion towards classical dance. The classes here at Deepam have further enhanced my interest towards odissi dance. Our teacher Ms.Aishwarya tailors the classes according to individual needs and helps build confidence even in beginners. Her classes are lively and imparts the knowledge of the great classic to each one of us in an efficient way!
Priya Aravazhi

Odissi dancer, Ladies Batch at Deepam
My tryst with Odissi,started a year back and it’s been a great journey so far. I had never have envisaged learning a completely new dance form in my 50’s and for this full credit to Ash who convinced me that in spite of my plantar fasciitis,I could do it!! To be honest the first few classes were exacting and the lure of Bollywood music from the studio next door made me wonder if I was taking the wrong classes.
This phase was fleeting and soon I was hooked as Ash is a brilliant teacher and and has tailor made the course to suit our capabilities! Besides dancing, we enjoy our chats and light moments!!
Hope my experience is encouragement for those empty nester moms looking for a hobby and a path to happiness!!

Shailaja Padmanabanan

Deepam Performer
I had a penchant for dancing from a very young age. Back in grade 1, my grandmother acknowledged my ever growing interest and decided that I should begin my training in a classical dance form, namely Odissi. I was very excited to attend my first class with Deepak Sir. His motivation and ability to make the system of learning enjoyable is what made dance classes with him so vivid and consequential.
Ever since Aishwarya didi undertook the role of a teacher, she has continued to train the upcoming dancers with utmost sincerity and dedication. Her passion towards Odissi is commendable. Deepam has been thriving for years because of Deepak Sir and it continues to thrive due to Aishwarya’s enthusiasm. Deepam will always be a space where dancers or anyone interested in starting something new are welcome to learn, grow and have fun together, making exuberant memories to look back on in the process.
Samraggee Bhattacharya

Odissi Dancer, Disciple of Guru Madhvi Mudgal
My time in Muscat with the dancers at Deepam was beautiful. I was fortunate to share my thoughts and odissi experiences with them over a 5 day workshop. Their warmth and enthusiasm remains with me as fond memories. I wish you lots of success!

Arushi Mudgal
