“Silambam and design have been the two important narratives in my life. While I had a flair for one since childhood, Silambam came in as a complete surprise. I had lost touch with Bharatanatyam for over 10 years and was recommended by my master to learn a traditional artform in order to improve flexibility. Little did I realize back then that it would add a whole new dimension to my life.

But with design the journey was different. Right from school, despite my interest, the educational focus was skewed towards conventional subjects. So most of my knowledge in the field was through self-learning and thankfully so, for it eventually paid off multifolds. From an average student growing up, I suddenly excelled to become the college topper.

That phase also made me realize that my goal is primarily knowledge-both seeking and sharing. Recognizing this enabled me to understand the huge void that persisted in the creative fields. While I was pursuing my masters and a few jobs subsequently, I noticed a whirlwind of a difference in how the arts were taught. This became the primary motivation to eventually quit my well-paying job and start my own art studio, despite fully knowing the risks it entailed.

Today, however, that risk has been the biggest blessing. I’m able to exercise my innate love for teaching to many passionate students at their preferred pace and style, knowing well that there isn’t one size that fits all. On the other side, I’m also able to rejuvenate myself by bringing in accolades for the country as the first woman to tread on a predominantly male-dominated sport. A particularly memorable incident was when I was invited by the British embassy for a performance. From the sport being banned in the British era to now this, is something I recollect with pride. Of course, all this does mean hectic schedules and tough routines but I wouldn’t prefer it any other way.

Going forward, my goal is to build a foundation that fuses the two skills and spreads awareness on the importance of creativity. There’s so much beauty surrounding us and channeling one’s inner curiosity would be the best way, for a big revolution in the arts arena.”

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