Shefali Lahoti - at just 24, she is a veteran of sorts.

Shefali Lahoti, at 24 is a veteran of sorts. She has a management degree, is a Kathak Visharad, Dance 'n' Fashion Choreographer, Cultural Ambassador of India and has been featured in major national magazines and newspapers, Femina and the Times of India included.

Just back from Switzerland, where the Indian and the Zurich Association, Geneva had invited her troupe to perform for the India Ball 2001, she took time off from her hectic schedule to reveal a little more about herself.

How did you get into this field?

I started performing since the age of three. At six, I started learning Kathak and that's when it all began.

Who are your teachers?

I learned Classical Kathak Dance under Pandit Nandakishor Kopote, (A disciple of Pandit Birju Maharaj),I picked up lessons in Ball Room dancing from Ms. Maria Cherukuru ( former European ballroom dancing champion, Ex-Miss Poland and Director of the Cinderella School of Ballroom Dancing). I have
also special training in "Rajasthani Folk Art" from Shakuntalaam Nritya Shala, Udaipur.

What are your International achievements?

At the age of sixteen, I was selected, on an all India basis, as the "Sole Cultural Ambassador of India" and attended the Hugh O'Brian World Leadership Congress held at Chicago. The Rotary International Youth Exchange Programme selected me for a one-year study tour to England in the year 1993-94 and again to USA in 1994-95. I was also selected under The International Association of Lions Club for 'The International youth Exchange Camp' at Finland in 1999. In 1996 I represented India for a 'Cultural Exchange Program' at the 'Kawasaki City Festival' held in Japan.

At 24 you have travelled extensively, and are an international figure. How does it feel? Is there anything you miss?

How do I feel? (Smiles!) Actually it feels nice. I do not miss anything I still have fights with my brother over trivial matters, I still freak out and do masti with my friends; I still do all things that a normal twenty-four year old does.

Where do you love to holiday?

HOLIDAYS, (takes a long time to answer) I don't even remember the last time I took one. Actually I travel a lot and being a workaholic, I club my holidays with my work. I simply love to work.

You have given a different dimension to choreography, like fusion, Shadow dancing, etc. where do you get these innovative ideas from?

It's an on-going process. Sometimes the theme is ready and I am looking for appropriate music. At other times, I am thinking of a theme for the music I have in mind. In fact, whenever I am listening to any music, I am, at the back of my mind, already visualising the choreography. I can choreograph a dance on any song.

What kind of food do you like?
Junk Food (Slurp!), Chinese, South Indian.

What gives you joy?

I love working with children. Sometimes what may seem like a stupid question or a silly suggestion by them can lead to some fantastic ideas. There is so much one can learn from children. I also enjoy Good Food. I love Pinks and Blues.

What pains you?

Dishonesty and exploitation of any kind is what I hate the most. I cannot bear to see children being exploited.

What is success according to you?

Success? (Thinks a lot) Success, it's a very continues term. I love to work and love to complete it on time. Completing work that's assigned to me on time is success to me. Hence it is an on-going process.

What do you believe in?

I strongly believe that you deserve what you get. It may be good or bad, one has to accept it.

Interview: Prasad Hiranwar
Photo Courtesy: Shefali Lahoti