Ada Gupta for The Montgomery News | Posted March 1, 2026
Jayshree Srikanth has navigated from Nairobi, Kenya, where she was born and raised, to become a resident and cultural representative of Montgomery Township, NJ. She recently walked the ramp at the Miss Bharat USA 2025 national pageant held at Royal Albert’s Palace, NJ, on Dec. 5, and earned the title of "Mrs. Bharat Petite USA 2025."
Srikanth has always stayed close to her cultural Indian roots. She grew up participating in a classical form of Indian dance known as Bharatnatyam and went on to work in Bollywood. She now runs DanceXstudio of Montgomery teaching Classical, Bollywood, Bhangra, and Inner Dance Movement, and Folk Dancing from all over India.
According to Vedic tradition"Bharat" is the ancient Sanskrit name (Bhāratavarṣa") for India, denoting a land "devoted to light" (knowledge) and "sustainer" of its people.
Organizers of the pageant (Mydream Global), seek to promote "exceptional talent, cultural pride, and national representation, showcasing the strength and unity of the South Asian American community,” according to their website.
As Mrs. Bharat Petite USA, Srikanth collaborates with some of the biggest names in Indian culture, and uses extensive platforms to elevate Indian culture.
Srikanth’s most recent endeavor is the launching of a children's book series, "Meera’s Magical Night at Bungalow." Her inspiration behind the book emerged from her experience of teaching dance through the lens of Indian food.
In an interview with The Montgomery News, she described the connection between cuisine and dance as profound.
“India is different within every state when it comes to dance and food…So in my teaching I would connect our food to the dances.” — Srikanth
Srikanth worked with Michelin Star winning Chef Vikas Khanna, who has an Indian restaurant, Bungalow, in New York City. They worked together to develop this book, which serves as a bond between cuisine and culture.
Srikanth took two of the most integral parts of Indian culture and synthesized them, applying two concomitant parts of tradition in order to make an impact. Her inherent need to portray this relationship resulted in a 13-chapter, 75-page book.
The concept for this book was 'simmering' for quite some time. Srikanth reflects on the creative process, saying that “the book almost wrote itself."
Srikanth aims to shine a light on the diversity and multifaceted nature of one culture, and to expose cultural traditions to the younger demographic. The plot of the book: When Meera visits Bungalow, an Indian restaurant in New York City, she discovers that each dish on the menu unlocks a doorway into a different Indian state. From the swirling Garba dancers of Gujarat to the serene backwaters of Kerala, from the spicy streets of Andhra Pradesh to the glowing Golden Temple in Punjab, Meera dances, tastes, and travels through the rich cultural tapestry of India— all in one unforgettable night.
The book is dedicated to "God, for making this life so beautiful and for blessing me with my loving husband Srikanth Ramakrishnan, and my three wonderful children, Veer, Dhruv, and Divinna."
When asked about her “Mrs. Bharat” title, Srikanth told The Montgomery News, “Honestly, I just took part for fun…It was really nice representing New Jersey.”
This only goes to show the natural grit and poise Srikanth has. But for her, it wasn’t just the title that she valued; “With that title that means I get to do a lot of public speaking, engage with people, and see where I can work through charities to help communities come together.”
It was the people she got to meet and the opportunities that opened up to her that allowed her to appreciate the role for what it was. Additionally, Srikanth values the title for its role in encouraging women to pursue their passions, while also fulfilling the responsibilities of being a mother and wife.
Srikanth connects and socializes through many platforms, the most prominent being her dance school, DanceXStudio. She talks about the process of starting the studio, saying that, “I wanted to start the studio but a lot of my early time went into raising my children…I resumed the dancing studio after some time, but then COVID happened…It really took off just three years ago.”
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She runs DanceXStudio of Montgomery teaching Classical, Bollywood, Bhangra and Inner Dance Movement, and Folk Dancing from all over India. She is also the creator of the fitness program Bollyfit at Lifetime Fitness, where she conducts weekly classes.
She put much dedication and persistence into getting the studio off the ground and bringing it to the attention of people who could really facilitate her in making a difference; the investment was worthwhile. She also has collaborated with one of the biggest event management companies in the East Coast, performed with significant Indian idols, and brought her teaching to schools throughout New Jersey.
Srikanth's impact is not just at the community level but on the national stage. Her work as a cultural ambassador, educator and author, bridges tradition and modern society in an impactful way. In her closing statement, she sends a message of pride and authenticity to the future generations: “Be proud of your culture, be proud of your heritage, and support local talent.”
Srikanth earned bachelor's degree in 2001 in communication and media studies from the United States International University-Africa. She is a winner of several dance shows including Boogie Woogie. She was the asst. choreographer for Nach Baliye 2 from Star Plus a show very similar "Dancing with the Stars in Mumbai," and also assisted Choreographer Duo Bosco and Caesar in several movies including "Salaam-E-Ishq (Salute To Love)," and "Devdas."
She is currently a faculty member of the Young Audiences program at Princeton University, her role involves helping students explore diverse art forms and cultures, igniting curiosity and creativity.
"Celebrating our rich tapestry of traditions and artistry that reflects our unique backgrounds," she says. She works to promote inclusivity and engagement, and to create a learning environment where every voice is heard and valued. A creator of the Fitness program Bollyfit, she is AFAA and CPR certified.
"Dance has the power to unite, and everyone can dance," she concludes.
