Born to a family of legal and medical professionals, Saswati took to dance at an early age. She received her initial training at Delhi’s Kathak Kendra under the guidance of Smt Reba Vidyarthi. She received the National Scholarship in Performing Arts and graduated to become the prime disciple of Pt Birju Maharaj. Saswati is the proud recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2004-5 and also the Sanskriti Award, the Shringar Mani Award and the Critic’s Recommendation Award. Saswati today is regarded as an artist with immense versatility and talent and one of the best exponents of the famed Lucknow gharana.

She has trained a large number of students, many from overseas. She has acquired the true style of her mentor and incorporates into her own presentation both the lyrical grace and rhythmic virtuosity of kathak. However, her forte is abhinaya which has always received high appreciation.

Saswati today is the driving force behind Kalashram, Pt Birju Maharaj’s dream institution and is its Secretary. She also finds time for her primary avatar as Guru, and teaches the nuances of Kathak to all seekers. Saswati travels extensively at home and abroad disseminating the knowledge she has gained over years of dedication and keeps the Kalashram Kathak community together. She has choreographed several group compositions as well as dance-dramas.