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Dolly Jain: Inspiring generations ,one pleat at a time!

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Dolly Jain has been an inspiration and a flag bearer of no work is small or non-monetizable, no dream is small and everything starts at home! From draping saree as a world record in 18.5 secs to draping it in different styles may that be celebrities, their weddings or working with big designer houses!

1) You were a homemaker with impressive saree draping styles which apparently turned into your profession!
How would you describe your journey?

Dolly Jain quote
Inspiration from our very own Dolly Jain

2) “Saree is India’s traditional wear which is somewhat fading away”. People choose to wear more western outfits.
What is your opinion on this statement?

Dolly Jain: I don’t agree with this because about Saree-I could say, like, 10 years down the line, people had literally stopped wearing sarees. They jumped into, like, you know, the young ones jumped into gowns and the moms, like our moms who are wearing sarees on regular basis started wearing Kurtis. But I have I mean, I would say maybe 1% of my effort, but I have seen a huge, huge comeback of sarees. Now, not only the moms but also the young girls and the young generation. They love to wear Saris. They just need an occasion and an opportunity to wear saris. Whether it’s a school farewell party or get-together a meet. I think they all have started wearing sarees in different, different ways. Clubbing with jackets, denim, and skirts. I would say that saree would always be there. And, uh, saree has done a huge comeback

3] We have read on the internet about you setting up a “Limca book of record” draping saree in just 18.5 secs, which is commendable!!
What sort of riyaz did you do to get this accurate and swift?

Dolly Jain: If you believe me, I didn’t do any practice. I didn’t do any Riaz. I literally did nothing. It just so happened that I was draping saree and my daughter came up to me and she said, Mom, you drape Saree so fast I said, Yeah, I was draping and she said, Okay, let’s record it. And obviously, when we were recording, my speed was a little more but didn’t know that I could make it up in 18.5 seconds. So it just happened. Basically, I didn’t practice. I didn’t do anything. And once that happened, we sent it to the people, and that’s how it just worked. So I literally didn’t practice, and I don’t practice the speed. What I only practice for coming up with new styles for the next generation.

4] There are innumerable saree materials and draping styles followed in each corner of India. Which style of fabric is your favorite one?

Dolly Jain: um, I think, I loved every fabric. I don’t know why I’m never able choose any specific fabric! Because I live in Bengal, So I love Dhakai. Born and brought up in Bangalore, I love the Kanjivaram as well. Um, even a net fabric came in. I loved the net. Now it’s organza and organza has been my all-time favorite. So I think if you just ask, then I could say An organza saree. And I love draping it where people just find this fabric very, very difficult. I find it the easiest to drape organza Saree.

5) “There is a drape for every personality, every occasion, and every mood. I have visualized them all” a well-said quote by you.
What impact did you want to always make with the quote and the work?

Dolly Jain: Definitely, there is a drape for every personality every occasion and every mood this is so rightly said ! See if I just see my Granny and if she wore something like a net saree with an open pallu I don’t think so I will be able to take up my granny !! It’s also about the personality and it’s also about the age. I think there are few fabrics which just defines your perfect sari for that perfect age ! So I think like a net sari for a young girl with toned body and everything if she’s wearing it, I would just say that she looks gorgeous in that sari with that same saree on my granny in the same way I think would not appeal to me for every occasion!

I have like a beautifully fully embroidered saree and you know if it is something like a sad moment definitely that sari doesn’t suit the occasion ! If it is a happy moment and you’re wearing a white plain saree which has no detailing and there’s no jewelry will be so weird. So I just feel every saree has got an occasion, every saree has got its personality, every saree has got its mood and it just takes the shape of the body and it just fits so well ! I would say that you just need to know what is your type and what is your kind which country you’re moving in what is your society around and then decide the drape and then decide the sari I think that’s so much much smarter way to do it !

6) Besides this stressful professional life, how do you cope with the pressure and balance your personal life as well?

Dolly Jain: This is a very difficult question. Professional life and personal life, I think these are two, different streams. And it is so difficult to balance both. But I think women are programmed by God in such a way that they can manage and they can balance both.

My kids have grown up now, but when they were young, I think that was the time when I really miss them a lot. When a girl child is born especially, I don’t know about the boy child, because I don’t have a boy! But when a girl child is born, her mother always wants to see her grow, from the first time she walked, from the first teeth to the first word she spoke. the school, the dances, the activities everything!

I think she just wants to cherish every moment, but that apparently couldn’t happen with me because I was so busy with my work that I had to balance both there are alot of times when I think my husband has been like a good mother to my kids and he’s taken care of them. So I think my kids have grown up more with the dad than with the mom. But today when I look back I just wish I had a better way to balance both but somehow I think my kids have not been complaining they’ve been very happy, they’ve always been with me, they’ve taught me so many things and they never gave me stress. I think that is so important.

Dolly Jain with her beautiful daughters and family

If a lady is growing in her career it’s so important for the whole family not only the kids, the husband , the inlaws everybody to be one and support the person so that she could stand and you because she believes in herself! So I think if you make the situation difficult I think she will do what she wants to do but the situation the work mode and every surrounding becomes very difficult for her. I’m blessed that nothing of this sort happened!

7) In your entire career, what is the contribution of designer Sandeep Khosla sir who insisted you do celebrity clients and help you pursue it?

I can’t thank Sandeep Khosla because he’s been the person who has actually seen my art. He was the one who introduced me to the big houses, from Ambanis to Bajaj to Mehtas to Jindals. He is the one who actually saw that she can do much more and, you know, the diamond doesn’t know its value. I could call myself a diamond here, but the person who was actually engraving the diamond, in that beautiful ring! That person knows what value this is, and then who’s wearing it. So I think, Sandeep saw all of this in me and then he literally groomed me and pushed me into society, and that’s how I am where I am.

8) Speaking of celebrities, you have draped outfits for Deepika Padukone, Isha Ambani, Priyanka Chopra, etc. Working with many celebs, who would say was the best experience amongst all of them and how?

I can’t see any one celebrity. When I did Sonam Kapoor, she was the best bride for me, when I did her drape for the wedding, it was like such a beautiful dream wedding then I did Deepika then I did Isha Ambani then I did Akash then I did know Alia at that time and I’ve done a couple of projects with her. I didn’t Antara last you know wedding so i feel everybody has got its beauty and they’ve always been so kind and so polite to me. I never had a problem with them they’ve always loved my work!

They’ve always appreciated my work so can’t name anyone but I’m glad that you know I could come up to this stage where people initially thought that I’ve gone mad and I’ll never be able to make a career out of it today. They all want to start a career in Saree draping, I think that’s like a huge thing for society and it’s also a learning thing for the society that never look upon any work, No work is big or small it’s just the way you look into it!

9) You draped Natasha Poonawala’s outfit in the world’s enormous fashion event i.e Met Gala? How’d you initially felt when you were given this opportunity? Were you excited or nervous or anxious, etc.?

Natasha Poonawala at Met Gala draped by Dolly Jain

Sabyasachi had called me up for Natasha Poonawala drape, it was a very happy moment doing something for the Met Gala and you know representing India. When Natasha was doing this and all the way calling me from Calcutta to do this gave me a huge huge honor! Also I proved myself that I am capable!

You know it’s not always someone else credit sometimes you should give the credit to you! You are capable, that’s the reason people hire you, people call you because you know your job very well and it is no joke to be at the Met Gala!

I’m glad Sabhyasachi who is one of India’s favorite and one of the best designers of our country and not only country but world-renowned designer saw this in me and when I was given this opportunity I didn’t have a look at the sari didn’t know what I was doing but just saw the whole thing like a day before and was very nervous definitely but I have always been very confident in my work because I know when it comes to Saree I can’t go wrong! So I think Saree is like my baby and I just handle it with lot of love. So it just falls so beautifully on the person whom I’m draping.

Dolly Jain with Sabhyasachi Mukherjee

10) What message would you like to give your well-wishers?

Dolly Jain:One message that I would give to all my well-wishers, my friends, my followers, my instant family, my Facebook, my youtube, family, every single person, every single woman living on this planet. I would just say one thing God has given everyone 24 hours and we all have been blessed with something or the other special thing. But what actually happens is in that 24 hours, we give our precious 16-17hrs to the family, not even thinking that you know we might need that half an hour for ourselves. I’ve spoken to so many women and they say OK we don’t have time, We don’t have time!

I know how to do this but I don’t have time I just say that it is fine to give your 12 to the family it’s fine but then I think in that 12 if you can just squeeze in things and give that half an hour or 30mins to the thing that you would love to do you would want to do I think you will also excel in your field. It might be a storytelling thing, it might be poetry, it might be listening to music, it might be dancing, writing poems, singing it, or might be playing an instrument but that period should be yours!

You should just feel happy that apart from all the other routine work that you’ve been doing as a mother, as a wife, as a daughter-in-law blah blah blah you have also done something that you cherished and was your hobby, and when that hobby turns into a fashion when that passion turns into a profession you never know!

So it’s time for you to start today, there is no tomorrow! Say in this 24 hours, I’m going to do this this this and that 45 minutes should be included in your agenda, no matter what you do but that 45 minute shouldn’t move so I think we all can do it is just how we plan it! You have to basically direct your mind and be very strict about it and then just see the magic happen all the best guys ! I love you all stay safe stay blessed.

We hope Dolly Jains Interview will inspire you to follow your dreams and work harder towards them!

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Interview

Meera Joshi: An all rounder personality

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Meera Joshi: An all rounder personality

Meera Joshi is an all rounder personality, from working as an assistant choreographer in dance reality shows such as ‘street dance’, being a contestant in ‘Dance India Dance- season 4’ and holding 3 world records and 3 Indian records along with being a dubbing artist and an influencer. She had won all of our hearts. Let us see what Meera has to say.

Meera Joshi’s instagram:

https://instagram.com/meerajoshi_?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 

Q1). Can you tell us about your journey as a dancer and a choreographer…. 

Meera Joshi: So my journey as a dancer and a choreographer started with participating in the ‘local mandals’ and that’s when my mom realized that I like dancing, and then I joined dance classes. My father was a bank manager, and he used to transfer every three years. So, in Ratnagiri I learned Kathak for two years, Bharatanatyam for seven years in Satara, and in Pune I learned Latin American dance styles. By then I started participating in inter-college competitions and I won prizes. That’s when I realized that dancing is not just my hobby, maybe I want to pursue it as a profession. Then I joined many dance groups in Pune and became a side dancer and danced behind Marathi celebrities. 

After that I started giving auditions for dance reality shows as well and finally got selected for my first ever show in 2010 “Street Dance”. It was a group dance competition and so I was a part of a group. I used to go from Pune to Mumbai. In 2011, I got into another dance reality show. By the time I graduated in German language, I stood third in University. That was the time to decide whether to go for post graduation or go to Mumbai.

My family was a little skeptical about this profession because living in Mumbai- a completely different city and getting a job with this profession was a little difficult. So my family wanted me to go for post graduation and then join some IT company or become a translator. But with the help of my mother I went to Mumbai, and that was the first time my mom let me travel alone. I was going to Infinity (there are a lot of rehearsal halls) for the rehearsals and I asked the auto guy what the fare would be and it was a shock for me hearing the price. But some lady overheard me and asked to share the fare and that was my first ever ride in Mumbai. And overall it was really welcoming.

The real Job

Then I freshened up. And that was my first day of work, in 2012 as an assistant choreographer for “Dance India Dance- little Champs” where Faisal Khan was the winner and I was assisting Prince Gupta, that was a team of Faisal Khan. After that eventually I got recognition and I assisted many choreographers such as Jalak Dikh Jaa… and simultaneously I was improving my dance styles such as hip hop and contemporary dance etc because it is difficult for a classical dancer to catch up. And finally in 2013, in “Dance India Dance, season 4” I was a participant. 

But then a few rounds later I realized that something was wrong with my back and the channel people took x-ray and things. And they found out that something was wrong with my spine and they suggested that we should stop here due to the medical emergency but I insisted on being a participant as it was my dream. And Mithunda insisted for me that if I was that willing, then let me continue as a contestant.

But I knew somewhere that my back won’t be able to support and after top 14 I got eliminated. And then I started helping people by assisting them with choreography. I assisted Sumit Shahil, Puni Verma for Bajirao Mastani then again Shimla Mirchi film and for Poster boys etc… And after almost 13 reality shows I realized that I can do something more. And I decided to do something on camera which had less dancing and eventually started auditioning for acting. 

Q2). You have been an all rounder, a dancer, choreographer, an actress, dubbing artist and an influencer… Do you think your fans might have much higher expectations from you?

Meera Joshi: “I think people will keep expecting till you die” whether in a professional life or personal, people will expect something or the other and that’s a natural human behavior… and if you’re a stage performer, people will keep on expecting more and more the next time.. And there’s nothing wrong with that. That is something which motivates you to grow. And do better than before, going to an upper level. And that’s why I’m here today, I expected something from myself. My parents, my well wishers, everyone around me expected me to grow. And that’s what led me to give auditions, become a side dancer to the main dancer and even start acting. “Expectations are the key to growth.”

Q3). What do you love to do the most amongst all the professions that you do?

Meera Joshi: Well i really cannot pinpoint any one profession among these, i like dancing cause that’s where I started and as a choreographer if I am not able to do any dance steps or if I don’t fit in the dance or the song. I have this vision which I portray through others by teaching them and reaching to the audience. The vision that I have, I love to share it with others. So, I love to choreograph as well. 

Even in acting, I got to explore many characters and that is what I love the most. Dubbing is also the same, that’s when I got to know that my voice is also a charm in itself. While influencing was also fun, back then not many Marathi influencers were there in the industry. I did some projects for clothing brands and beauty products and I remember not shopping for almost 2 years. And I loved the perk of free shopping plus earning out of them. So I enjoyed every profession that I perceived. 

Q4). While shooting for Bajirao Mastani, you got an inspiration to start your career in acting… is that true? What inspired you to do so? 

Meera Joshi: Before Bajirao Mastani, I was already pursuing several professions and as an assistant choreographer I thought till when will I just keep assisting. And getting a good movie where I can be the lead choreographer would have been a lot difficult plus it would have taken me years and years… As movies were the only option where we could choreograph or showcase our skills back then.

So I had to choose a profession which will give me recognition by face. And acting was it. That’s what I realized on the set of Bajirao Mastani. And then with zero experience in theater or acting I started giving auditions for acting. I had no mentor or a guide who can provide me with acting guidance or who can help me get a role in a movie. That’s where I had to struggle and even now after 13 years in the industry, So, I guess that will go on till the end. 

For one and a half year I wasn’t able to crack any auditions and I still remember my first audition where I had to give an introduction and I asked them “what does that mean?” So yes it was my learning period and initially I did crowd roles such as praying in the temple while the hero and heroine are the main focus. And then I’m glad, my parents were really supportive, especially my mom was very supportive of everything that I did. Even financially but again I had this to earn money myself. So yes I did  projects as well.

Q5). You are such a beautiful lady, is there any secret to your beauty? 

Meera Joshi: Thank you so much. I think every soul is beautiful in their own way but of course that is off camera. I have been called ugly many times and been rejected for that. It’s like maybe you’re pretty and cute but you’re not a heroine material. Even for the skin color, they said, “you’re not fair enough so you don’t fit into our projects.” Thank you again, but I don’t think there’s any secret to it. I guess being positive and being around positive people, living a healthy life can be called the secret. 

Q6). You have 3 world records and 3 Indian records in dancing… How do you feel about this achievement?

The first world record:

Meera Joshi: The world record things actually just happened, it wasn’t planned. I love trekking and traveling. So, I got in touch with this man named Anand Bansode- he is the Everest man of India. He climbed Everest. He asked me if I want to join them to climb “Kokan Kada” and hoist the longest flag on 26th of January and make the world record. And I said okay I’d love to do that. 

The second world record:

And then the second time in Lockdown, everybody was trying to be active on social media. That’s when five Marathi actresses decided to dance Antaksari, a kind of thing which included recording dance pieces. So I got to dance to a song that starts with ‘ka’. And I danced to “Kanta Laga”. So others did the basic dance steps as they were not dancers but actresses. So I decided to dance outside the house as it wasn’t able to shoot inside. And my mom helped me with it, literally climbing on top of the car to shoot me. Then I edited the video as I had a little basic knowledge about it. But the other actresses pointed out that my video was not shot inside the house despite the theme being ‘lockdown’ and they pushed me off the project which made me a little sad.

Then I thought of posting it on my social media anyway and it blew off. So I started creating dance reel content and at that time people didn’t shoot these kinds of videos. And then I was traveling to Kachchh, Gujarat and I told a passenger to shoot a video on ‘chaiyya chaiyya’ of me. There I shot a one minute video. And people loved it. So, I thought I should do everything together, traveling, dancing, shooting etc… So I clubbed everything together. 

The third world record:

And then I was traveling to Chopta…we started at 3am in the morning and reached there at 7 for sunrise and we shot a video and I checked if anybody had shot a video here because it was the world’s highest Shiva temple. And nobody had performed surprisingly. So I contacted Anand Bansode and asked him if we can do anything about the world record. And then I sent it for approval and within fifteen days I got approved and I was the first actress to perform at the world’s highest Shiva temple. This news went viral and people actually loved it. 

After that I went to Hemkund, which is the world’s largest Gurudwara. So I almost trekked for 16-17 hours and then I performed there and again sent it for approval and it worked out again. So yes that’s how the 3 world records happened. 

Q7). What are your upcoming plans and goals? 

Meera Joshi: Well my plan right now is to earn more money by working hard and my goal is to buy a nice house of my own and on my own in Mumbai. Like I’ve been living in Mumbai for 13 years and paying rent. And in my family everybody has their own house, it’s only me who doesn’t have anything on her name yet. So that’s my dream right now.

Q8). How was your experience working on Amazon for “Crimes Aaj Kal”… Do you plan to work again in the future? 

Meera Joshi: My first web series was Myra, it was in lockdown and we shot it on a sample flat in Nagpur. My second web series was “Indori Ishq” in which I played the role of Alia. And people loved it. Basically, I got a call from the casting director and he told me he wants my audition for a character and they sent me the script. So there were two characters, one was Alia, a 21 year old college passout student and the other was a prostitute. So I thought obviously, the second role would be for me as I was 29 back then. But the director told me he wants me to audition for Alia. And I was glad because I thought people still consider me as a young actress. And my co-actor was Ritik Shauri and he was 20. He was almost 10 years younger than me. 

I was really conscious about how I would look because being a 30 year old and acting to be a partner of a 20 year old was a different thing. So matching up to him was a difficult thing but then people loved my character. And then I got selected for “Crimes Aaj Kal”, I was auditioned three times. And they asked me if I was an athlete and then I said I am a classical dancer. But then I wasn’t able to match three other guys who were really tall and athletic. And my director was like you said you were an athlete what happened  but eventually we shot the scene…

Q9). Considering how busy your schedule might be, how do you find time for yourself?

Meera Joshi: I don’t think it’s a difficult task for you to find time for yourself if you love yourself. Because if you love yourself, you’ll find time for yourself anyhow. And in my profession we don’t have a routine so I get time for myself when I don’t have any work. I watch films, go for a walk, eat well.. And I love street food and I keep myself happy with that. I love to spend time with myself, I’ll always find “me time” even if I have a busy schedule. So finding time for myself is not a big task. 

Q10). Out of all characters, which one is your favorite and why?

Meera Joshi: Every character that I played was different. So I don’t think I have any favorite character. In Marathi films, people viewed me as an evilish, villianish and glamorous personality while in Hindi films I was viewed as the soft ‘sanskari’ girl. People viewed me really differently, there was this contrast and it really confused me. Which also helped me portray many different characters though. In Marathi serial, I have played a Witch and then I’ve also played an evil daughter in law. And then in ‘Chandana’ a short film I played a poor girl living in a village, fighting for the right to basic education. That was something really heart touching.

“Indori Ishq” for that, i played a character of a 21 year old college passout student. Being a 30 year old I had to act as a partner of a 20 year old actor was a difficult and a different task. And for ‘Crimes Aaj Kal’ I played a cop, so again it was really different. And in Myra I got to be a heroine. So yeah, “There’s a lot and many colors to explore.”

Q11). What are the three things that you would like to change about yourself? 

Meera Joshi: I think I can be more ignorant about a few things and take everything a little less seriously because not everything needs to be answered. Let’s say somebody passing a comment should be ignored. And it’s not necessary to pay attention to everything that happens around you. I guess that will make me happies. Sometimes I really tend to give too much attention to trollers and that makes me a little dejected. Being ignorant becomes a necessity sometimes and I am trying to do that.

Second thing, I think I should be a little more patient. Not that I’m too impatient but the More patient I am the more things will come to me. 

Lastly, this is a funny thing but if God could change my dusky skin tone, and make me a little fair then maybe… maybe I could get more work. In a funnier way though. Now I’ve got acceptance about myself, my skin tone, my body and I think I’m very comfortable in my skin. I love myself. 

Q12). If you are given a chance to visit any fictional world, what would you choose and why? 

Meera Joshi: To be precise, Harry Potter. Back then when I was in school Harry Potter was the ultimate crush. And Hogwarts is something I would love to visit if it is possible and I am given a chance to.  

Q13). Your fans might be eagerly waiting for you to say something to them… So anything?..

Meera Joshi: For upcoming projects, there’s a new movie “Orange Lily” that is going to be released and I’m playing the title role and a few upcoming item songs are to be released. Keep loving me and keep giving me your love and support… Every artist needs that. Be careful of what you have to say to anybody because it might hurt them and rethink it. They might end up making different decisions which they would not if things were a bit different. So yes, keep loving everyone because everybody is working as hard as you are. Life is beautiful, live peacefully.

It has been a 13 years long professional journey in Mumbai and I’m grateful to my parents  because of them I was able to pursue my hobby as a profession. Especially my mom, without her I wouldn’t be able to be what I am today. Also grateful to everyone who loved and supported me, without them growing wouldn’t have been possible. It inspires me to do better projects. So thank you very much. Please keep loving me. 

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Interview

Ashish Patil – THE enthralling journey of the LAVNIKING!

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LAVNIKING Ashish Patil. B.Sc (computer science) from Birla College Kalyan. Specialized in Bollywood, classical, Semi-classical, Folk, and contemporary dance in Marathi and Hindi industry for 19 years now. Recently was a Finalist of a Dance show. High Fever Dance ka Naya-never on TV.

An energetic, awe-inspiring, and imposing grand Classical – Semi-Classical Dancer and Celebrity Performer who breathed dance from his childhood and his passion took him to India Satellite First Dance Competition Boogie Woggie attained applauds by winning the competition. Passion turned into Fascination and in his teens, he shot to fame by winning the most acclaimed award for his splendid Classical Choreography in 2010 Eka Peksha Ek. A habit of delivering fresh moves to feature innovations in his dance forms and finally that one platform which he had dreamt day and night shot recognized him as one of the Best Classical Semi-Classical Dancers. And as a performer and an outstanding choreographer in  Eka Peksha Ek – Season 2. And as the judge in Dholkichya Talavar.

1)Can you tell us how you started on this journey?

Ashish Patil : I have done my B.Sc IT from Brila College, Kalyan. And yes! I am an IT student and have been dancing since I was four. When I was young my mother used to see me moving around the house and as the saying goes mother always knows what her child is capable of? So it was my mother who first figured out that I can be a dancer.

The mother is always the first teacher and in my case, my mother is the one who taught me dancing. I am not a trained dancer and have not taken any formal training initially. Also, there was this show on Doordarshan “Chitrahar”, we used to watch it and my mother would point out the expressions of the contestants and tell me that that’s how I have to express myself when I dance. So yes that is how my dance journey began.

2) What impact did dance have on your life?

Ashish Patil : As a child one certainly needs a platform to express and develop oneself and dance has always been that platform for me. Since I was young I was always fascinated by Indian dancing and loved the feminine kind of dance. Because of that, I was called names in school and college time. But dance was something that me feel like the happiest man in the world. I used to forget myself and go into a zone. I believe that when I dance I reach to the almighty and feel near him somehow. And at times I cry after my performances. So dance gave me a platform through which I can express and find myself.

3) Is there someone from the industry that had an influence on you?

Ashish Patil: Since a young age, I was very much influenced by Madhuri Dixit. And during that time Madhuri numbers were very famous on “Chitrahar.” And yes I used to see her and fall in love with her dance. I used to tell myself that I would dance someday on television. I have always loved her song “Chane ke khet me”, it’s very expressive and that is one dance that influenced me as a young kid. Also of course Juhi Chawla and Sri Devi have influenced me a lot but Madhuri Dixit if I must say is my first love for dance. 

4)Your journey is filled with hardships. How did you overcome the challenges?

Ashish Patil: Yes, the journey was difficult. Though we live in a society where men and women are equal still a guy wears a kurta and is teased and asked why are you dressed like a girl? SO ever since I was young it was difficult to walk in public because people used to call me names when I passed by. So the journey of being a dancer, contestant, performer, and now a judge on a reality show was not easy as I had waited for nineteen years. I have struggled for nineteen years in this industry. I have worked hard and learned so much for so many people, good and bad.

And also what to do and what not to do. I feel that if you want to become a dancer the first and most important skill required is to believe in yourself that you can do it. And I always believed in myself. I am passionate about my work and dedicated to my talent and am always focused on the goal. So to achieve anything in life I have four steps: Patience, Dedication, Passion, and Staying true to yourself.

5)What inspired you to pursue Indian classical dancing?

Ashish Patil: I have always loved the sound of ghungroo. My sister used to learn Bharatanatyam but could pursue it as it was not taken positively by our family. But the sound of ghungroo, the costume, I used to love the colors. And so this is how I started discovering that this is Bharatanatyam, this is Kathak, Lavni, and so on. Our Indian culture is filled with so many colors and I am obsessed with it, especially the bright colors. So I guess the colors and sound of ghunhroo brought me toward Indian dancing.

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6)Who has played a major role in your life?

Ashish Patil: As I mentioned earlier my first and foremost supporter has always been my mother and she has always believed in me. She used to lie to me when I went to the competitions as my father never liked me dancing. As I used to do Indian dancing, his friends used to always question him –  how will he earn? Who will marry him? Stuff like that. But my mother has always supported me in whatever I did. She loved watching me on stage because I was the happiest when I performed. Also, she is my critic and my number one fan.

7)How do you manage the negativity that surrounds an artist?

Ashish Patil: Yes, it is challenging, especially being a male classical dancer. In India, we worship all the gods and goddesses but most of them don’t know the story about them. And I always feel that the god of dance “The Natraj” He himself is a Shivsakti which is a rare combination. So my mother encouraged me saying I am blessed with this combination so make the best out of it. Initially, I was bothered about what people thought but they were not going to save me when I met with an accident or they were not going to pay my bills.

So now all I care about is what my parents and loved ones say. I have gone through many ups and downs on my own and faced them alone. I feel that every problem has a solution. And if the problem doesn’t have a solution why worry? So just do the best with what you can and I just do that.

8)What are your thoughts on the life of an artist in the entertainment industry?

Ashish Patil:The industry looks very glamorous for an outsider. People are like he works in the entertainment industry and what a life he lives. But the most difficult life is that of an artist. People who work in a company have their timings fixed but when an artist has to work day and night because that’s what we are paid for. Many times there are night shoots or shoots in hot sun. It is very difficult for an artist to maintain the same energy throughout the song. Because the song is of just 3 minutes but the shoot goes on for das. So I think an artist’s life in the film or any industry is challenging but it is up to you how you manage it.

9)What kind of people do you like to work with?

Ashish Patil: Initially, I walked on this journey alone. But as time passed by people joined and now I have my own team. And I believe in trying to give love and appreciation to people which I did not get at the start of my journey. So I always work with those people who are focused and dedicated in what they do. And I love working with such people. A team is important because when you work with a team your project hits harder. Because there are a lot of creative minds. Yes, I call them team and not assistant because they are like my family members who are by my side. Also, I feel that when you are working as a team you need to be a good leader. And not a boss. 

10)What advice would you like to give to someone who is suffering on their journey?

Ashish Patil:When you work the best way toward your goal, not initially but somewhere at some point you will be successful. And once you reach there by default you get fame. These days fame is easy due to social media. But I feel that it is just a moment of fame like an elevator that works on its own speed, we cannot control it. But when you are climbing the stairs and you fall you can get up. You can control yourself because you are walking on your own.

I believe that one needs to fight their own battle. It is like when you climb the stairs you can feel each step. Same way when you take the hard route you can sense the feel who stood by you and can feel a sense of respect for them. I always believe in the line –  Give respect take respect. Last but not the least – “Kehte hain agar kisi cheez ko dil se chaho; to puri kainaat usse tumse milane ki koshish mein lag jaati hai”

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