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My Life
Belly dancing has, in recent years, become an increasingly popular art form in India. Let us take a peek into the life of a Delhi-based belly dancer/trainer Meher Malik, founder of the Banjara School of Dance
They say ‘Chase your passion, not your pension!’ Meher Malik, who is only 20 years of age, is doing just that. Youth is a glorious period marked by untamed pursuits, dreams and strong conviction. Meher lives up to the spirit of youth each day as she approaches her passion in her profession. She chooses to carve her own path to success. At 20, she is a successful belly dancer and a business woman running her own company ‘Banjara’ with more than seven dancing schools within Delhi.
Early beginnings
Meher, who lived in Oman for almost 17 years came to India to study fashion two years ago. Within two months of study at a reputed fashion college, she changed her mind. Instead, she opted for a degree in psychology from the Delhi University. However, as she explored the opportunities offered by the dance industry here, she decided to drop out and do what she really wanted. Meher explains, “I have been dancing since I was six years old. I started with Bharatanatyam, went on to do Jazz and a little bit of Hip-hop. I’m presently the director of a new born company called Banjara. We’re a belly dancing school. We also promote other dance forms such as gypsy, classical and folk dances. We promote characteristically feminine and powerful dances.”
A typical day
“I have been dancing since I was six years old. I started with Bharatanatyam, went on to do Jazz and a little bit of Hip-hop," - Meher Malik
In a profession like belly dancing, you always need to be up on your toes – energetic and perfectly poised! Meher’s routine speaks for the grace that she exhibits in her dance and dance training. Her mornings start with a prayer. Meher says, “Usually I wake up at 8 a.m. My morning begins with a prayer for all goodness, for my parents and for Banjara - my baby! Then, I take time to relish my irresistible breakfast - Chocos and egg on toast!”
10 am
Meher’s mornings include routine training for herself, as she says, “I spend an hour on stretches and yoga. I add some dance to it if I feel so. The best ideas come to me if I have had a good sleep!” she smiles.
11 am
Her day takes off with the many lessons she has to do in a day. “I start by taking my first private session,” she adds.
1:30 pm
She grabs lunch at a convenient place. “After lunch, for my second session of classes, I rush to the particular centre, which may be in Gurgaon, Chanakyapuri or North Delhi.”
5 pm
Meher’s evening is spent in teaching belly dance.
Meher likes her day to be simple and productive. “I am back home by 9. I take a class if I feel like or go for some salsa dancing. I spend time with my dog and my parents whenever I have time; I don’t go out for a party because the work has totally messed with my social life!” she sighs.
As an entrepreneur, Meher thinks practically, approaches problems as if they were opportunities and never fails to make it work! Her vision stands empowered by her faith in her passion and the faith that she can take it forward to influence the lives of so many women.
Her day comes to an end by checking email and reading. She pauses before she speaks again as if, stealing the hearts of her audience right before the curtains are finally drawn, “That’s about it,” she says, “Boring - I know. But it has its beauty in its own way!”
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