1. Share your background and journey with us.
I belong to an Oriya-speaking family. I was born and brought up in Baroda city. I did my first dance performance at the age of 5 and started my formal training in Bharatnatyam at the age of 7. I appeared as a contestant on Dance India Dance Season 3 at the age of 18, and after that, I moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in dance and choreography. It's been 12 years in this city now, and I wouldn't have chosen my life to be any different.
2. What made you realize your love for dancing, and who's your biggest inspiration?
I have always danced since childhood, but the time I realized I don't just like dancing, but I am really passionate about it, was when I saw the movie Step Up 2. That movie changed something in me. It opened the world for me where I realized there is so much to explore in dancing, and this art form has no limit; you can keep learning and growing. From there on, all I wanted to do was dance. My biggest inspiration and motivation have been my teacher, Dharmesh Sir. He opened my world to dancing and the journey he has had made me believe in making dreams come true.
3. Among the various dance styles, what do you enjoy doing the most? And what inspires your dance routines?
I actually enjoy so many dance forms. I get excited to do classical, hip-hop, Bollywood, and Latin. I love attempting new styles. Bollywood, of course, runs in our blood, but I just enjoy dancing as a whole. If there is a style I cannot do, then I love to learn it. There are a lot of things that inspire my routines. Sometimes it's a song I just heard and felt like dancing to, sometimes the emotion I am feeling inside that I want to turn into art, sometimes some extraordinary artist makes me get up and create something new, so a lot of things like that. It's different every time.
4. What techniques or strategies do you use to keep your choreography fresh and innovative while staying true to your artistic vision?
I guess being updated with the changing dance scenario helps. What we did 10 years ago was good for that time. Dance evolves with changing times, so keeping your heart and mind open to that helps. I also try and research what's going on right now in the world. But when trying something new, I make sure I don't lose the essence of the dance form.
5. What advice would you like to give to people aspiring to become professional dancers/choreographers?
Follow your heart. Dancing is connected to your soul. For every decision you make, listen to your inner voice. Whether you are questioning which dance form to pick up or whether to become a YouTuber, film choreographer or TV show choreographer, always go with your gut feeling. The journey will never be easy, you will face hardships, but give it your all. The dance will never leave your side.
6. What is a book you love and would recommend our readers to give it a try?
Oh, I read so much, but the one book I feel women should read, but all the men should definitely read, is "The Forest of Enchantments." It's an important book for every generation and every gender.
Interviewed By - Shreya
Edited By - Pragya Lamba
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