Meet Mayuri Bhandari | Actor | Dancer | Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mayuri Bhandari and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mayuri, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Nature’s wonder never ceases to amaze me; it’s always new, never creating the same thing twice. Rhythm has always captivated me, and the stories it tells through movement and music. I’m deeply moved by artists who convey the truth- raw and with vulnerability. The powerful essence of divine femininity encapsulated in the tales of women in Indian folklore serves as a profound inspiration. The idea of being an “artivist” – using art for activism – inspired by my Jain roots- drives me to create with purpose.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I stand out through the diversity of artistic forms I engage in, often blending my Indian heritage with non-Indian spaces, such as being one of the first Indian figure skaters to infuse Bollywood into the sport. My unique perspective as a translator of both Indian and American cultures allows me to create relatable and engaging content.

What I’m proud of is my ability to merge academia, artistry, and activism. When I was doing my masters, I would turn each of my papers into artistic projects with a call to action, drawing inspiration from various backgrounds. Along with figure skating, I’m a professional dancer in various styles, an actress, poet, fitness enthusiast, and Yoga Professor at Loyola Marymount University.

The journey is still going; it has definitely not been easy, but I’ve learned it’s important to trust my intuition before anything else. I’ve also learned the necessity of deadlines- to see any project through to fruition, even if it doesn’t seem great at the time.

I’m deeply passionate about women’s empowerment, indigenous rights, as well as environmental and animal activism. Through my social media & stand up, I ‘edutain’ and shed light on the pseudo yoga culture with humor and depth.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Nature, vegan spots and live art/music venues!

I’d start off with Point Dune or Founder’s Park in Palos Verdes, and walk up the Culver City steps for an LA sunrise and/or sunset.

There is also Lake Shrine in Malibu for a lovely garden walk.
I love the Farmers Markets in LA, particularly the Mar Vista Farmers Market for fresh produce, food, and live music!
For good vegetarian/vegan Indian food there is Govindas (ISKCON Temple) & Annapurna in Culver City. DTLA has great free museums I love visiting, particularly the America Tropical Interpretive Center, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, the Chinese American Museum, and the Italian American Museum with a walk down historical places in Olivera St.
For live music the story behind live music in Cabin Creek Santa Monica is great on Wednesdays & Thursdays (the story behind the live music is great). If interested in vintage shops, ‘Vintage in Venice’ is a nice stop. And Salsa dancing is all over LA every single night!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is a really difficult question. There are many people to acknowledge, and so many sources of inspiration. But I’ll have to say my dad, who has always wanted me to have the opportunity to pursue any and as many artistic endeavors as possible.

Website: https://linktr.ee/mayuribhandari

Instagram: @mayuribhandariofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayuribhandariofficial/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BollywoodOnIce/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunainaleon https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7930664/

Image Credits
Black headshot = Peter Konerko Yoga shots = Kayvon (Vanie Poyey Photography) Gray Sports headshot = Breana Otey