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As a part of EPISODE-20 of ADOR LOVE SHOTS, enjoy an Interesting conversation between Udit Shah - CEO of Ador Dating, on the topic of 'Journey of Becoming Karate Belt and National Gold Medalist' with Prajna Ravi - Karate Black Belt and Professional Dancer.
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Can you please share a brief about yourself and your journey?
I am Prajna, an 18 year old. I'm a professional dancer. I also do Martial arts. I am basically interested in everything be it gymnastics, acting, etc. I like to explore and try new things. My passion for dancing started when I was 7 years old. My mom enrolled me in dance classes which I had no idea about. All I knew was to move my hands and legs. Jagdish sir, my teacher made it super fun for me. I looked forward to going to dance class every single week. At that age, I didn't even know how to read time but I learned it so I could know the time for dance class. Every year we would do annual shows and it was exciting for me because I love to be on stage and perform. So my passion grew year after year and since then there was no looking back.
What mindset helped you to become an achiever at the state and national level?
Honestly, with Karate I had no idea that you could compete and win medals. All I thought was that through karate I can learn self-defense and be physically stronger. I always had the dream to win, stand on the podium, and represent my country. it was always there in my subconscious mind. But I just didn't know how it would happen. Somehow it felt like the universe brought martial arts into my life and made it happen. Everything led to it. Also, it's a mix of everything:- passion, consistency, and mainly the support that you get.
Can you give young people some insight on how to balance study and passion?
Firstly, you should definitely know your priorities. Me, I have been dancing and doing karate for so long that it has become an essential part of my routine. Basically a necessity like food and water. We all find time to do things that are necessary for us. About balancing doing more than one thing, so many things can get in the way many activities can clash with each other. So what helped me a lot was to prioritize and see what was required to be done at that particular moment. For example:- if academics needed to be prioritized for a board exam for instance then I would prioritize my studies but I would not let go of other activities. It doesn't mean if I am studying, I would take a break from dancing and karate for a month. it was never like that. Shifting priorities but making sure you are in touch with all of them at the same time. It is something I am still working on. You can never be perfect at that but good understanding helped me to learn how to balance over the years.
If you had to spend 1 hour with any one of the professional dancers, who he/she will be?
I would like to spend time with someone who is not only a good choreographer but also a good dancer at the same time because it's very rare to find that combination. In India, it is Prabhudeva Sir. I would love to understand how his mind works, his perception, and his views when he is in the process of creating something.
What things helped you to become a black belt in karate?
I stepped into learning karate with absolutely no knowledge. I thought the black belt was the end but it's the beginning of everything as real challenges start after that and the black belt itself is divided into 10 levels. So many people tend to stop after getting a black belt but for me, that was like a turning point because after attaining a black belt my major accomplishments came. My goal was never to get a black belt but to learn the art itself. Though, getting a black belt was the most memorable moment of the journey.
What are the easiest ways that you can suggest for the youth to learn dancing or karate from the comfort of their homes?
I think it's about finding the right resources. In this generation, we have access to everything so one doesn't have to worry about good resources because that's already there. I think choosing from various resources is the problem now. Regarding that, someone can take help for choosing the right resource because now it is more customizable. One can learn what they want to. I don't think there is an easy way, it's about choosing the right resource, be it online or offline.
Fun and Rapid Fire Round with Ador Loveshots
Udit Shah: Which is your favorite dance form?
Prajna Ravi: My favorite dance form is Contemporary and Hip Hop.
Udit Shah: Who are your favorite dancers in the respective dance forms?
Prajna Ravi: Prabhudeva Sir and many international artists like Kyle Hanagami, and Erica Klein. Also, the reason why I first liked Contemporary dance was because of Shakti Mohan, whom I watched on reality TV shows.
Udit Shah: If you had to choose between dancing in front of 1 lakh audience v/s dancing with one of your favorite stars then what would you choose?
Prajna Ravi: I would choose dancing in front of a 1 lakh audience. Being a performer, the joy of performing in front of an audience is unbeatable. It would make me really happy.
Udit Shah: If you had the chance to date one professional dancer then who would that be?
Prajna Ravi: I think I have been so invested in the performance of the dancers that I've looked up to. So I've never really thought about that. I honestly don't have an answer for that.
Thank you for your amazing answers. It was fun having you on Ador Loveshots