For two decades, Astad journeyed through India, China, Japan, Indonesia, Europe,the United States and South America, in search of an idiom that would reflect his inner consciousness of dance. Finally, in full circle, the journey brought him back home, where, through the rigours of Kathakali, he recreated his own vocabulary. Astad was liberated... He has danced with luminaries like Pina Bausch, and collaborated with The Pilobolus Dance Company of New York.

He often performs with a team of Manipuri dancers, but essentially, Astad remains a soloist. As a soloist, his presence is compelling. His eyes speak for him, every line on his face, every muscle in his body is finely tuned, telling it’s own story.