Aasif Kshathriya (aka Asif Farouqui) is a well-known theatre and film personality with a unique blend of science, arts, literature and culture. He is known to be a pioneer of ‘Short Filmmaking Culture’ in southern India. Being associated with films and theatre since past 25 years, Aasif has carved a niche both as an Actor and as a Director.

A former professor in Electronics Mr. Aasif, apart from academic engagements, has nurtured his passion in the field of performing arts. Having worked with veterans like BV Karanth, MS Sathyu, Irshad Panjatan, Dr. Chandrashekhar Kambar, Peter Brook, Dr. H. L. Nagegowda, Huchchappa Master, Prothima Bedi, Mysore Ananthaswamy, and few more, Aasif has picked up nuances of theatre art, music and film craft from them.

He has directed many Theatre Plays, Feature films, Short films and Documentaries on Folk culture, Wildlife, Corporate films, Ad commercials and won many recognition, accolades and also State and National awards too.

He is a known face in the Film industry too. As an actor, Aasif has some notable good films to his kitty like, Galige (Dir. MS Sathyu), Kotta (Dir. MS Sathyu), Deviri (Dir. Kavitha Lankesh), Tananam Tananam (Dir. Kavitha Lankesh), Chandravadana (Dir. MS Sathyu), Aa Dinagalu (Dir. Chaithanya Karehalli), Thamassu (Dir. Agni Shridhar), Olave Jeevan Lekkachaara (Dir. Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar), Matha (Dir. Guruprasad). The rest are run-of-the-mill movies. Alongside he directed few movies like Baluvali, Neeru Thandavaru etc.

Kannada as well as Hindi Television industry saw his presence as an actor and a director , Just to mention few are Janani (RN Jaygopal), Chaduranga (Dir. Bhargava), Premada Kadambari (Sudhakar Bhandari), Balu Belagithu (A. Syed), Aaradhane (Anil Baindoor), Surya Shikari (Sihi Kahi Chandru), Kamana Billu (P. Sheshadri), Kathegara (TN. Seetharam), Badalagadavaru (Hemanth Hegde), Katha Prapancha (KSDL Chandru), Pataala Garadi (Suneel Puranik), Shruti (Kesari Haravu), Aralida Hoogalu (Shastri), Punarjanma (Ashok Naidu), Yaava Janmada Maitri (Sunil Kumar Singh), Kunthi (Naganath J), Sarovara (Kalyan Raj), Akaaknksha (Dinesh Babu), Mouna Raaga (Tilak), Jote Joteyali (Arur Jagadish). Hindi projects include the succeeding few Nashaa, Yule Love Stories, Sara Jahan Hamara, Kaalaatheeth, Guroor, Hao Sarkar Nakko Sarkar, Choti Maa Ek Anokha Bandhan, Timbha Roocha.

Aasif is considered as the pioneer in shot film making in south India. With an experience of 20 years in making short films, corporate films, commercials, and documentary films on wildlife and Culture, he has carved a niche in the entertainment industry.

Aasif Kshathriya is associated with the theatre group Rangaratha – Indian Performing Arts Company and is accredited as Professional Actor & Avant Garde Director.