Himanshu Srivastava: A Journey of Dance, Dreams, and Determination

Himanshu Srivastava’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams. Born in the small town of Garatganj in Madhya Pradesh, Himanshu has risen to become a dancer, actor, choreographer, and content creator, all while calling Mumbai his new home. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and the pursuit of one’s passions.

Himanshu’s journey into the world of dance commenced in 2009 when he was just a schoolboy. Watching his sister dance, he found himself captivated by the art form. The spark ignited within him grew as he tuned into dance reality shows like ‘Dance India Dance.’ It was then that he knew he wanted to be on television, sharing his love for dance with the world. However, the road ahead was uncertain. He lacked the knowledge and support needed to embark on this path.

Determined to follow his passion, Himanshu began dancing at school. To his surprise, he discovered that people admired his performances. This encouragement fueled his resolve to delve deeper into the world of dance. In 2012, he decided to seek formal dance training and enrolled at the ILI Dance Academy in Indore. Under the guidance of dedicated instructors like Ragini Bajpayee Ma’am and Mahendra Sir, he underwent rigorous training for three years, honing his skills.

In 2014, his dedication bore fruit as he participated in his first dance reality show, ‘Closeup Bharat ki Shan Let’s Dance,‘ earning a place among the top five contestants. This show was broadcast on DD1 (Doordarshan). His passion for dance only continued to grow. In 2017, Himanshu participated in the Telugu dance reality show ‘Dhee Jodi,’ securing the position of 1st runner-up.

Himanshu’s journey expanded in 2018 when he ventured into the world of acting, enrolling in a theater group to learn the art. It was during this time that he discovered his USP – an unwavering commitment to hard work and self-belief. He recognized that his passion was more than just a hobby; it was an integral part of his identity.

Transitioning from his hometown to Mumbai was a significant turning point in Himanshu’s life. His first arrival in Mumbai in 2014, for a dance reality show, was marked by overwhelming uncertainty. The vastness of the city and the challenges of navigating it left him feeling unprepared. In 2017, he decided to make a second attempt. Living in a flat in Andheri with four roommates, he discovered that life in Mumbai was financially demanding, especially when it came to food. To make ends meet, he worked as a background dancer at various events. The journey was tough, and he often had to sit or lie down on trains during long journeys. Himanshu’s tenacity was unwavering, but the city’s demands were unrelenting.

Despite the challenges, Himanshu’s determination remained unshaken. He established his own dance studio, a dream inspired by renowned choreographer Remo D’Souza, who had expressed a similar aspiration. Winning a digital competition provided the necessary funds for Himanshu to turn his dream into reality. This marked a significant milestone in his journey.

His early struggles as a background dancer were characterized by meager pay and challenging situations, including uncomfortable train journeys and cramped living conditions when he moved to Mumbai. These challenges were a stark contrast to his dreams, emphasizing the determination required to succeed in the competitive world of performing arts.

Himanshu’s first significant breakthrough came when he got a chance to work alongside celebrities. He collaborated on commercials with esteemed figures like Remo D’Souza and created content with stars such as Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Honey Singh, and Ganesh Acharya. His lead role in the song “Ram Bachaye” in a major album marked a pivotal moment that opened the door to new opportunities.

Reflecting on his journey, Himanshu shared that the experience of low moments, including struggling to afford basic necessities and enduring challenging situations, was countered by moments of joy and fulfillment. Working with industry giants like Remo Sir and collaborating with stars have been some of the most remarkable and gratifying experiences in his life.

Today, Himanshu has his own identity, and people know his journey and respect his hard work. 

Himanshu’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the pursuit of passion. His deep connection with dance, which he describes as being in his blood, continues to inspire his artistic pursuits. For Himanshu, dance is not just a hobby; it’s an integral part of his identity, and he feels incomplete without it. His journey from a small town to the bustling streets of Mumbai exemplifies the transformative power of dedication and the relentless pursuit of dreams.

-Himanshu’s message to people out there-

I will tell them the two lines that I had written myself-

“Your efforts are your greatest hope, whether someone is with you or not, being with yourself is the greatest courage.”

You should never stop trying, always do your work with full hard work and honesty, and have faith in yourself.