1. Tell us more about your background and journey.
I never dreamt of being a dancer until my mother and a few relatives watched me dancing with my dupatta on the DJ at my Uncle’s wedding. It was then that I joined Bharatnatyam classes. I never got support from my dad or even his family as they were against dancing and he was an alcoholic which has now resulted in a divorce of my parents.
My mother has been my pillar, my strength and my only support system. If I am dancing today, it's because of her. She has given her blood and sweat to my journey. And my guru DEBANJAN BOSE whom I call sunny sir has made me the dancer I am today. I worship two GODS, one my mother and the other my guru.
2. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue dancing and how did you start?
After a village dance competition, I returned home after performing as I thought I wouldn’t get any awards, I got a call asking us to come back as I had secured a position. To my surprise, I became the winner of that competition and I saw this spark in dancing and realised that dancing makes me happy. And what better reason to pursue dancing is there than the fact that it makes me happy?
3. Who is your favourite dancer and why?
I have a lot of favourite dancers. I believe if dance happens from the soul, you love it when you dance. It's not about the moves or posture. It's more about how you live through dancing. So whenever I see that happening, I find a new favourite dancer.
4. Can you throw some light on opportunities one gets as a dancer?
There are a huge number of opportunities one can get as a dancer. But I think, now that we are growing as a community, experience matters the most! The most! Obviously, tv shows matter but even after you get the fame you need to do something about it.
The best thing you can do with dancing or anything is having a PLAN. Plan your next move, keep backups. Make charts if you want to. Know what you want to learn and know where you want to go. Opportunities can knock anytime at your door but you have to be ready for them.
I know it's very hard to decide your future like that but start somewhere, also, put your heart into it. The rest will follow.
5. Is format training required or can one train themselves purely on the basis of talent?
I being a technical dancer and still learning every day, purely believe that you need to know what you are doing. You need to be vocal about your steps. Sounds weird I know, but the building falls if it doesn’t have a good foundation.
6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring artists?
Do not get distracted, know that if you fail there is a bigger door waiting for you. This is just the beginning, always keep learning. Start to worship your talent that’s what you are known for.
Interview By - Suhani Mangleek
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