Shreema Upadhyaya

I'm a Bharatanatyam dancer, actor, and model who mixes traditional forms with modern twists. My work is built on sweat, self-doubt, and immense gratitude for the artistic journey.

For me, modeling is about becoming part of a scene and telling its story. This moody, atmospheric shot from a monsoon series in Bengaluru captures the exact kind of emotion I love to create, blending the elegance of a saree with the raw beauty of nature.

I have a deep passion for heritage jewelry, and this shoot allowed me to embody a classic South Indian aesthetic. The focus here was on showcasing the intricate details of the temple jewelry and the rich texture of the silk saree, creating a timeless bridal or festive look.

I love shoots that have a nostalgic feel. Posing with this vintage car on a quiet Bengaluru street, we created a story that feels like a moment paused in time. It shows my versatility in creating character-driven portraits for lifestyle and fashion brands.

This conceptual shoot was a powerful exploration of the divine feminine, reimagining the goddess Durga. It represents the kind of creative and artistic collaboration I thrive on, using strong imagery to convey a powerful message.

A candid moment during a stroll through Gandhi Bazaar, surrounded by the vibrant colors of flower garlands. This image reflects my ability to model in natural, everyday environments, creating authentic and relatable content for ethnic wear and lifestyle brands.

A close-up from a heritage jewelry campaign, where the lighting and expression work together to highlight the stunning craftsmanship. This type of shot is perfect for brands wanting to focus on the intricate beauty and detail of their products.

Fashion & Brand Modeling

Available for shoots across Bengaluru & India

I use my Bharatanatyam abhinaya skills to bring emotion and storytelling into Indian ethnic fashion and jewelry modeling, making each shoot more than just poses.

8-25K

per day (photoshoot)

My foundation in Bharatanatyam taught me to access and portray core emotions, or 'rasas'. This shot is from an intense exploration of 'Bhaya', the rasa of fear, showing how I use my entire body and being to find the truth in a character's most vulnerable moments.

Being a small part of Mani Ratnam’s epic, 'Ponniyin Selvan 2', was an unforgettable experience. This is a still from the film, where the scale of the production and the detailed period costumes and character work were just incredible to be a part of.

Dance is my first language. This is a moment of complete immersion during a Bharatanatyam performance, capturing the dynamic energy and expressive storytelling that is at the core of my training and my identity as an artist.

A still from the bilingual film 'Dange/Por' where I played Bhama, a character who transitions from a doctor to a dancer. This role challenged me to portray two very different worlds and mindsets within a single narrative.

I love collaborating on visual stories that evoke a specific mood. This shot from a monsoon series in Bengaluru captures a feeling of quiet contemplation and has a cinematic quality that I really enjoy bringing to life in front of the camera.

A throwback to a chilly night in Alula, Saudi Arabia, while on tour with the Akram Khan Company. Working with international artists and performing under the stars was a surreal and deeply inspiring experience that pushed my boundaries as a performer.

Film & Television Acting

Available for projects across India

I act in films and TV by using my Bharatanatyam training to bring real emotions and depth to every character, whether the role is big or small.

10K-1L

per day

This single spotlight captures the essence of a live performance. It's in these quiet, focused moments on stage that I feel the story comes through the most, a blend of preparation and pure emotion.

A moment of gratitude and joy on stage. This pose from my performance 'Viśvambhara' captures the energy of dancing to a live music ensemble, a truly special experience conceptualized by my guru, Sri P. Praveen Kumar.

Exploring the 'rasa' or emotion of Bhaya (fear) was one of the most challenging yet freeing experiences. It's in these deep dives into complex emotions that I find the true power of abhinaya and dramatic expression.

Live Dance Performances

Performs in Bengaluru, Chennai & across India

I perform Bharatanatyam and contemporary dance acts, mixing tradition with personal stories, and tailor each show for events with live music and custom choreography.

30K-1.2L

per performance

Meet your expert

Shreema Upadhyaya

My Story

Hey, I’m Shreema. Dancer, actor, model, sketch artist when the mood hits, and if you offer me chai, I’m yours. Been learning Bharatanatyam since I was four - my guru Praveen Kumar, he’s shaped everything. Ten years back, I wouldn’t have believed where I’d land. It’s been wild: survival, tiny dreams, disappointments, hope. I’m still figuring it out, honestly. Trusting the process, being kind to myself, and loving every bit of this journey.

My Work

What I do - I perform Bharatanatyam at events, act in films, and model. Sometimes all at once!

The real story behind the art - Grace on stage? Sure. But it’s mostly sweat, injuries, self-doubt, and some scheduling nightmares. Worth it, though.

My style - Dance means perspective. I mix traditional Padams with improv Bharatanatyam acts, sometimes giving mythology a modern twist.

Beyond just dance - I've danced on stages from UK to Saudi. Also acted in films like Ponniyin Selvan 2. Each one, a new adventure.

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Shreema Upadhyaya