Astad Deboo (English: Astad Deboo, born- July 13, 1947, Gujarat; died- December 10, 2020) was a world famous Indian contemporary dancer and choreographer. He trained in the Indian classical dance forms of Kathakali along with Kathak and then became the pioneer of modern dance in India. Astad Debu, adept in Kathak and Kathakali, gained fame for presenting a unique dance style by combining both the dance forms. In his experimental style, he gave solo, group and duet dance performances in more than 70 countries.
Astad Debu was born on July 13, 1947 in Navsari, Gujarat. He learned Kathak from Guru Prahlad Das in his youth. Later he studied under Guru E.K. Took training in Kathakali from Panikar. In his experimental style, he gave solo, group and duet dance performances in more than 70 countries. During his long and illustrious career he worked with various major artists such as Pina Bausch, Alison Baker Chase and Pink Floyd and performed in many parts of the world.
Astad Debu watched the films of filmmakers like Mani Ratnam, Vishal Bhardwaj and famous painter M.F. Choreography was done for Hussain’s film ‘Meenakshi: A Tale of Three Cities’. He founded ‘Astad Debu Foundation’ in 2002, which provides creative training to the weaker sections, including the disabled.
Astad Debu was given the ‘Sangeet Natak Akademi Award’ in 1995 for his contribution in the field of dance. He was also awarded ‘Padmashree’ in 2007. The citation for the ‘Sahitya Natak Akademi Award’ received for his contribution to modern dance art read, “Debu will be remembered for his theater style of dance, in which a unique blend of Indian and Western styles can be seen.” Astad Debu died on December 10, 2020 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was 73 years old.
