Today, I have converted my lifelong passions into two entrepreneurial ventures — Yoga Chakra, a yoga studio that teaches a blend of yoga and dance movement; and Pink Lotus Academia, an online tutorial platform for courses on Indian classical arts and culture.

I am most excited about the online academia, which offers dance, music, yoga and visual arts.

The past year allowed me to step back and re-assess my art and passion, to reconnect with old friends and students. Technology has allowed me to interact and instruct across many time zones. 

I consider myself fortunate that over the years, I have learnt from renowned gurus in different dance styles — creative Indian contemporary under Guru Tanushree Shankar, modern contemporary under Yuko Harada and Kathak under Guru Sangita Chatterjee. My inspiration in this dance of life has been my mother. She has been someone who lived life on her own terms. She did whatever made her soulfully happy.

After I finished graduation, a corporate career overtook my creative pursuits, and my involvement in dance took a backseat. But the seeds planted young and nurtured by my mother and teachers bore fruit.

For a while, I was struggling to decide whether I should plunge into making dance and fitness my full-time passion and commitment. My mom asked me a question, “What is the fear and doubt?” I asked myself, “Am I doubting my own capabilities? Or am I afraid of the returns or my own expectations?” I realised the only question that needed to be addressed is, what makes me happy? It dawned on me that I was not cut out for a 9-6 job. I wanted to explore more, live what gives me happiness and that is when I decided to not look back. In this, I was inspired by several success stories of great personalities starting late, but who made a difference in this world with their art, craft and dedication.

I quit my job seven years ago and followed my heart. I completed my yoga Masters by Yoga Alliance International from Sri Aurobindo International Yoga Centre and plunged headlong into a life as a yoga trainer, an aerialist, a danseuse and a creative movement therapy facilitator. I always wanted to bring yoga and dance together as both, in a way, complement each other and help to sustain the form. Hence, I decided to form a curriculum where the benefits of both can be experienced. 

Through yoga and dance, I aimed to blend all my training and life experiences to create a therapeutic-aesthetic discipline that heals the body and awakens the soul.

I turned an entrepreneur in 2013 by co-founding The Yoga Chakra in Delhi, which has evolved into a unique institution in the fitness industry. As its CEO, I have dedicated my time to helping enthusiasts live a fitter and well-balanced life armed with sound physical and mental health. Today, there are several well-known yoga instructors who have obtained their training and certification under my mentorship. I take great pride to see them running successful yoga studios.

My work and dedication have got me a lot of recognition. I was honoured for my work in Yoganritya, an endeavour that brings together yoga and Indian classical dance to attain fitness. I am happy to be exploring the opportunity of an online teaching platform, where I can literally reach the whole world; and there are so many across the globe interested in our arts and culture, but are unable to travel now. As an entrepreneur, I feel the best is yet to come.