Welcome To Zasha

Mrs. Behnaz S. Todiwala is the Art Director and Founder of Utkarsh Dance Academy LLP, Surat, Gujarat, India since last 40 years.

She started learning Bharatnatyam from the age of 4 from Gurus Smt. Neelaben Raval of “Felicity Art” (Surat) and later from Guru SIVARAMAKRISHNAN, Mumbai.

At present she is the only Parsee Guru and Performer in Gujarat as well as in India in the field of Bharatnatyam, a ‘Gold Medallist’ in B.A and M.A in Bharatnatyam.

1^st Parsee Girl from Gujarat to perform her SOLO Arangetram in 1991.

In 1988, 1989 & 1990, She has performed and Represented India in the International Folklore Dance Festivals held in Canada, France and Turkey.

1993 & 1994 – stood 1^st twice in the “Youth Festival” organised by the Govt. of Gujarat.

Prestigious awards:

• 2021 – Acharya Vandan Award
• 2020, 2017 & 2016 – “Kala Ghoda Arts Festival” Mumbai 
• 2019 – “FTV – Heart & Soul Award
• 2019 & 2016 – “Natyanjali Dance Festivals”, Chennai
• 2016 – “Gajera Trust Award”
• 2005 – “Rashtriya Kala Kendra Award”
• 2002 – “Ujas Award”
• 1998 – “Parsee Pragati Mandal Award”, Surat

1^st to introduce the Concept of Group Arangetram in Bharatnatyam to make it affordable for talented dances.

In 1994 started Utkarsh Dance Academy LLP.

Since 1994, she has trained 5500 students and presently teaching 400 students in Bharatnatyam and Folk-Dance Forms. 

Her, 700 students have completed their B.A (Visharad), 300 students have completed their M.A (Alankar) in Bharatnatyam and 300 students have completed their Arangetram.

Utkarsh students have performed at many National and International Platforms.

She is thankful to her Gurus, Families and her Utkarsh team of Girls.