“I’ve always loved dancing. As a kid, I’d dance to Bollywood songs. Govinda & Helen ji were my idols. I’d think, ‘One day, I’ll dance like them!’ So, I joined a dance school at 19. I’ve always been curvy, but I’d think if I danced well my weight won’t be an issue. So, I’d practice hard & do my best at all the auditions, but I’d never get selected. They said,‘These selections are random.’ But I knew my weight was their problem. And it wasn’t me, it was them. But such rejections affected me. So I quit dancing. I did other things – make up, voiceover, but nothing compared to dancing! But the thought of being judged for my body instead of my dance held me back. Until I attended a belly dancing workshop at my gym in 2012. I thought, ‘It’s just a workshop.’ But by the end, I was hooked...my tutor said, ‘You’re a natural!’ Her words were all the motivation I needed to get back to dancing. So, I started looking for a teacher. And,on my 1st day of class, I saw people of different sizes & age groups dance together. I knew that this is where I was meant to be. I’d easily learn all the steps & help my friends. But despite the compliments I’d never get picked for performances; it was disheartening. But I wasn’t going to let them stop me, not again. So, I quit the class & started learning online. I’d practice for hours & I started my own classes in 2015. But finding students wasn’t easy, one look & they’d say, ‘Can you even move?’ I’d just smile & dance! Word spread, I got more students. But everything changed after reels were introduced. Earlier I’d shy away from posting my videos online, but after some of my friends motivated me I posted my first reel 2 years ago. I was stunned to see the love I received – my following shot up! And I got some inquiries too. I thought, ‘Thats cool!’ So I started posting often. And today, I have over 25 students in a batch, I even take classes online & now I’m all set to spread my wings in Dubai. Yes! I’m starting my classes there. Still, sometimes I wonder if we are living in the 21st century. I mean, judging people basis how they look? Just imagine how nicer the world would be if we, as people, were even a tad bit more accepting,no.”