In the first of our 2024 episodes, Tim talks to the amazing Ash Mukherjee in Cliftonville, Kent.
Ash Mukherjee - Biography
Born in Kolkata, India, Ash Mukherjee trained in classical temple dance Bharatanatyam at Kalamandalam Kolkata under Guru Smt Thankamani Kutty. He went on to pursue ballet with Lady Doreen Wells from the Royal Ballet and graduated in Jazz Theatre Dance from London Studio Centre.
Acclaimed by Dance Europe Magazine as one of the finest Indian classical dancers in the UK, Ash was handpicked by the "This Is It!" team to dance a duet with Michael Jackson at London’s O2 Arena. He starred on BBC 3’s "Move Like Michael Jackson," where he created a solo with choreographer Lavelle Smith Junior, integrating Indian classical dance with Michael’s iconic hit "Man In The Mirror," which was broadcast to three million viewers.
Ash's choreographic works include BBC 1's Royal Wedding Duet for "So You Think You Can Dance UK," Mike Batt/Katie Melua and William Orbit's "The Flood" music video, and multiple productions for British Youth Music Theatre, including "Educating Yorkshire T’Musical" (2022) and "The Naughty Carriage on the Orphan Train" (2023) at Dundee Rep.
His acting credits feature roles in TNT's "Will," Marvel's "The Eternals," and HBO's "House of Dragon." He also appeared in Ridley Scott’s "Napoleon" (2023).
Ash's one-person show "Vishnu’s Got My Back," which explores queer mental health themes from post-colonial Kolkata to London, premiered at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and toured the UK in 2022.
As the Movement Director for the Citizens of the World Refugee Choir, Ash has contributed to performances at major events, including the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Party at Buckingham Palace and Glastonbury 2022. He also led the Pride Face Project for the Journey LGBTQIA+ Refugee Group in Birmingham, commissioned by Sampad Arts & Shout Festival in 2023.
His accolades include a nomination for Outstanding Male Dancer at the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards UK, recognition as Time Out London Rising Talent, and Critics’ Choice artist by Dance Europe.
Ash Mukherjee continues to push the boundaries of dance and performance, making a significant impact across film, theatre, and community arts.
Follow Ash on Instagram: [@ashmukherjeeofficial]( / ashmukherjeeofficial )