Serena Malik is a young and talented Bharata Natyam dancer and a student of Jamnabai Narsee school. She is an All India topper with 99% marks for her ICSE examination, held last year.,  She is a scholar, writer, poet too, Serena has founded her own NGO known as W-STEM. She  desires to explore the scientific aspect of Bharata Natyam in her further studies in US, Serena is the disciple of renowned mentor and Bharata Natyam exponent Guru Deepak Mazumdar, who is the recipient of the prestigious Sangeeta Natak Akademi award and the Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar.

In an exclusive interview with Guru Vijay Shanker, Serena reveals her passion for Bharata Natyam and how she would like to explore the inter-relationship between Bharata Natyam and Science and as to how dance can be used as a therapy, particularly for autism children and much more. Excerpts from the interview:

How did you get initiated to dance?

I was born in the US and after the age of 6, we returned to India as my father wanted me to understand, appreciate and imbibe Indian culture and its ethos, which is acclaimed internationally. Since I had a natural inclination for dance, my father wanted me to learn Bharata Natyam.

How did you meet Guru Deepak Mazumdar?

We made enquiries and got to know that Guru Deepak Mazumdar is a renowned teacher and one of the best in the country. We approached him and he readily agreed to teach me.

How would you define him as a teacher?

To learn from Guruji has always been an enjoyable experience, as he is person with lot of knowledge of the "Sastras" and the dance form. Infact it becomes easier to interpret if you know exact meaning of the "Sahityam".  It is just the beginning as there is lot to learn. The more you learn the better it is and then you can perform better which is a continuous process of learning and evolving.

Do you aspire to become a professional dancer?

At the moment I have not thought about it as I have to complete my higher studies in science and medicine and eventually become a doctor.

How would you pursue your passion for dancing?

Dance is an inseparable part of my existence, so I will always find time for it. Infact classical dance is not just physical, it combines the aspect of mental and spiritual as well. In other words it is the expression of the soul, varied movements blending well with" hasta mudras" and expressions are used to interpret stories from Hindu mythology.

How do you plan to relate science with Bharata Natyam?

Dance is a physical art form, hence when the body moves, the complete blood circulation enhances. Hence the pulse and heart beat can also become faster, besides the mind conditioning and concentration and complete involvement leads to a wonderful experience that could become elevating. As dancers we reach out to the Almighty through dance, hence it is spiritual and secular too. Hence dance can be used as a therapy for health and well being.

How would you define your personality?

As a person willing to learn and explore the multi-facets of life with relation to science and the arts and to reach out to people for a better life and existence.

Interviewed by Guru Vijay Shanker

Guru Vijay Shanker is a professional Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Bharata Natyam exponent, dance teacher, choreographer, actor and eminent arts critic for over four decades based in Mumbai. He can be contacted on email: vijaydance@gmail.com