In the first of our 2024 episodes Tim talks to the amazing Ash Mukherjee in Cliftonville, Kent.

Born in Kolkata, India, Ash trained in Bharatanatyam at Kalamandalam Kolkata with Guru Smt Thankamani Kutty.

He pursued ballet with Lady Doreen Wells from the Royal Ballet and earned a BA (hons) 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 hand picked by the This Is It! team, to dance a duet with Michael Jackson at London’s O2 Arena.

Ash starred on BBC 3’s Move Like Michael Jackson and created with choreographer Lavelle Smith Junior a solo integrating Indian classical dance with Michael’s iconic hit "Man In The Mirror," broadcast to three million viewers.

Choreographic works include BBC 2's Royal Wedding Duet for So You Think You Can Dance UK, Katie Melua/William Orbit's "The Flood" video, and British Youth Music Theatre's "Educating Yorkshire T’Musical".

Awards include Outstanding Male Dancer Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards UK nominee, Time Out London Rising Talent, and Critics’ Choice artist by Dance Europe.

As an actor Ash has appeared in TNT's "Will," Marvel's The Eternals, and HBO's "House Of Dragon." His one-person show "Vishnu’s Got My Back," delving into mental health from post-colonial Kolkata to London, premiered at Royal Birmingham Conservetoire, followed by a 2022 UK tour.

Ash currently serves as Movement Director for The Citizens of the World Refugee Choir, performing at the Queens Platinum Jubilee Party at Buckingham Palace and Glastonbury 2022.

Instagram: @ashmukherjeeofficial