For all of you who don't know me, haven't seen me perform, haven't remotely had even one random, off the wall conversation with me- I've wanted to be an actress since I was eight.
Now it wasn't really a burning self consuming desire until I was about twelve. At which point I went to bed every night asking God 'to please let me be an actress when I grow up'.
It all started when I performed at a local indian dance competition in Dothan, Alabama. I had decided that I wanted to win. That was it. I still remember getting up on stage with my runny nose and all and performing to 'Radha Nachengi' from Saudagar. If you see the home video my dad recorded of that performance- it's anywhere but aimed on me- his hands were shaking so hard. I won that year- and I was on a high. The next year I started rehearsing six months in advance for 'Jab Se Mile Naina' from 'First Love Letter'. I remember Lina Patel helped me with that song. She was so sweet to take time away from her college classes to help me come up with steps for the number. I ended up winning that year also. And the year after that. Unfortunately they stopped the competition after that.
But my performances didn't stop. I performed everywhere. Weddings, cultural shows, events. You name it. And my parents would drive from 2 to 6 hours to get me to my destination.
I used to go tom-tomming about how I was going to be an actress when I grow up. Once an aunt told me that my parents were just indulging me and weren't really serious about me pursuing acting. I remember telling her straight to her face- 'my parents never lie- and if they say I can be an actress, then I can be'. My parents have till date never backed away from their word. They've believed from their very being that I can be anything I want to be and they're belief has feuled my desire to be here.
'Let's Dance' has been perfect for my first film. Surprisingly, I’m not really a hip hop or western dancer, but in ‘Let’s Dance’ that’s what I have done. Growing up I was more into lyrical, contemporary dancing, but with my choreographers’ help it all turned out beautifully.
This film is about dancing for your soul, dancing because you’re passionate about it, dancing to focus you energies in a positive direction. Kyunki dance karne ke liye- ‘Bas ek bahana chahiye!’
Luv,
Gayatri
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