G.A.R.G.I : Girl Ace Reaps Great Innings
Sparkling on various fronts: top-notch student, awarded Bharatanatyam artiste and Karate black-belt holder, exhibited painter, and more, Gargi Amit Bhalerao, 16, deservedly earns the spotlight on ‘International Day Of The Girl Child’ (October 11, 2021). Ajit Ramachanddran does the honours
Ajit Ramachanddran
G.A.R.G.I : Girl Ace Reaps Great Innings
Sparkling on various fronts: top-notch student, awarded Bharatanatyam artiste and Karate black-belt holder, exhibited painter, and more, Gargi Amit Bhalerao, 16, deservedly earns the spotlight on ‘International Day Of The Girl Child’ (October 11, 2021). Ajit Ramachanddran does the honours
MUMBAI: She can enthrall with a thillana treat, courtesy her expertise in Bharatanatyam. And if rankled by pesky specimens, can swiftly chop them down to size too, courtesy her being a Black belt-holder in Karate. Or maybe sketch out a diametrically differing image of hers, having pocketed success as a painter of merit.
On dual fronts – as an artist and artiste – Gargi Amit Bhalerao bags major Brownie Points. And scores magnificently too. At the proverbial sweet sixteen, Gargi opted to be a tad different, preferring to be super sixteen.
With a slew of varied interests up her sleeve – and what’s better, making each of them work to advantage– this youngster is making winning a mainstay in her life. Over to the Aquarian achiever...
Smart Agenda
“I just completed my 10th grade, securing 92.4%. I am currently studying Science in the 11th grade at K. C. College. I’ve always been someone who cannot just do studies,I need some extra-curricular activities to de-stress myself. I do wish to be a good degree-holder, but apart from that I’m also keen to learn more about Theatre and Film Studies. I would love to be a doctor, who is also an entrepreneur and an actress. But life is still uncertain, so just go with the flow.”
Super Thanks
“I’m thankful to my parents and teachers, and particularly my father who taught me to be a maverick. Mrs. Aarti Kapadia (Trinity College Examinations), Mr.Hanshi Vispy Kapadia and Mrs. Keuree Patel (Karate) and Mr. Asef Ansari (drama, play ‘Kasturi’), are among many others, who actively shaped me into the person I am today.”
Dancing Pupil, Beaming Guru
“I commenced learning Bharatanatyam when I was four years old. Since then I haven’t stopped! Guru Dr. Sandhya Purecha tai is a resolute personality. There’s so much to learn from her, her mere presence means a lot. She guides and mentors in the truest sense. She’s given me various opportunities to perform at Kala Ghoda and various other Maharashtra cultural programmes held at Ravindra Natya Mandir under her guidance.”
Kick-start, Japan Style
“Learning karate from the Grand Master Hanshi Yoshio Kuba, in itself was a great opportunity. He is the 10th Dan Black belt. Being able to learn the right techniques under his lucid and powerful training was a real joy! The strength he holds through the training of several years of hardship and defence lessons are the things I admire the most about him.”
Two Much!
“Bharatanatyam and Karate have their similarities and differences. Immense stamina and discipline is required in both, one of which teaches elegance and the other, defence. Both, however, have taught me that having balance is very essential. Maintaining that balance is the key to success.”
Bright Strokes
“I adore mixed medium. The artist is not under constant pressure and doesn’t have to limit oneself. No boundaries at all. Painting alleviates my stress. Whenever I feel anxious, I randomly paint whatever comes to my mind. I paint as a hobby and would not choose to be an artist as a full-time job.”
Musk Magic!
“ ‘Kasturi’ means musk. The play shows how people go around trying to find themselves, not realising that what they’re searching for is all within themselves. I played Dnyaneshwari, a well-read 15-year old who is handicapped and lonely, though she is provided with all the facilities. The only person she can spend time with is Mumtaz, the daughter of the maid who works at her house. The play shows how every single individual around you can make a difference to your life and that materialistic comforts do not necessarily bring happiness to one’s life. I did not expect to win the prize for ‘Kasturi’ knowing that there were over 300 talented competitors from all over Maharashtra. Although there was a little pressure, I gave it my best and was confident once I started performing on stage.”
Interests Unlimited
“I’m a food-enthusiast and my uncle Lalit Pawar and I are food-buddies. Recently, I started food photography, thanks to him and am keen to know more about it. But I do feel that you should keep exploring, try new things. Grace and hustle, it’s all that matters. There’s so much that I would like to learn in the future like football, singing, skating and I could go on and on.”
As of now, Gargi Amit Bhalerao knows her chops only too well. Pun certainly intended.
TOP HONOURS , PRIZED ACCOLADES
- BHARATHANATYAM: Completed a decade in training from Sarfojiraje Bhosale B. N. T & R. Centre by Dr. Sandhya Purecha; Gold medallist (3 years) & Silver medallist (2 years)
- KARATE: Black-belt holder, 6th Indian Ocean Open Karate Championship held at Mauritius; bagged two Gold medals and a Bronze medal. Travelled to Okinawa, Japan, to receive training from Hanshi Yoshio Kuba
- SPEECH & DRAMA: Earned the ‘Best Acting’ Prize for ‘Kasturi’ from the Government of Maharashtra
- ART: Paintings exhibited at Nehru Centre (Children’s Day), Cymroza Art Gallery & Bajaj Art Gallery (Yellow Canvas)
( Facebook: Gargi Bhalerao ) (Instagram: goofy_gourmand )
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