Hrishikesh Pawar, born in Pune, India in 1983, is a versatile dancer with a deep connection to music and movement. He discovered his passion for Kathak early on, training under esteemed teachers including Mrs. Manisha Abhay, Guru Rohini Bhate, Guru Sharadhini Gole, and currently, Guru Amala Shekhar.

In 2004, Hrishikesh attended the ‘Summer Improv Workshop’ in Berlin, performing at the Berlin Modern Art Museum and Seebühne Hiddensee Theatre. In 2005, he became the first Indian invited to the ‘Dance Teacher Training Program’ at Palucca Hochschule für Tanz, Dresden. His work fuses Kathak and contemporary dance, a unique approach praised by German critics.

In 2007, Hrishikesh founded the Centre of Contemporary Dance in India, promoting creative exploration and performance. He launched the Hrishikesh Dance Company in 2009, collaborating with Max Mueller Bhavan (Goethe-Institut) and expanding partnerships with leading institutions. His collaborative work was featured at various Art Festivals such as Fringe Festival, Canada, the Dokumenta, Kassel, Germany, and at the Kochi Biennale. He is a visiting faculty at National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad Inter-Disciplinary Dance University (HZT), Berlin Film and Television Institute, Riverside School, Ahmedabad.

He launched his Dance for PD program in partnership with the Sancheti Clinic in 2010, offering three classes a week in addition to an online program. Hrishikesh as created numerous performance projects and films featuring his work with the Parkinson’s community. He received the 2024-25 Bowen Award for Inclusive Choreography.