Mumbai: Priyanjali Rao - A Bundle of Talents to Society and Joy for Parents

Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Pics: Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Apr 25: Precocious children may be many, but how many of them are a briliant dancer, outstanding artiste and splendid sportsperson all at once? Priyanjali Rao is definitely one.

Nine-year-old Priyanjali, a talented budding artiste from Santacruz was felicitated recently with the title 'Baala Pratibhe' at Kala Jagathu Tulu Nadu festival held at the Kamgar Krida Maidan, Lower Parel.

Born on July 1, 1998, Priyanjali, a student of Arya Vidya Mandir, Bandra (W) is the only daughter of Vidya R and grand-daughter of A B Rao and Thara Rao of Santacruz, who originally hail from Mangalore.

The young artiste has been learning Bharatanatyam for the last four years under the tutelage of Mubina B and Nilesh Singha, founders of the Shivoham Institute of Performing Arts at Khar, Mumbai. She is also learning classical Carnatic music under the guidance of Pandit Veena Shastri of the Music Triangle, Santacruz (E) over the last three years.

Her kitty of performances is full to the brim already. She has given various dance performances, notably at the Mumbai Festival, the Uttara Chidambaram temple at Satara, opening of various locations of the Chinnara Bimba chapters, at ISCKON during the Janmashtami celebrations, the Chembur Subramanya temple and the Chembur Sringeri Math.

Apart from being a dancer, she has to her credit many prizes for recitation of Bhagawad Gita, craft and calligraphy. Her talents extend on to the sports field too - she is a double gold medallist in the track event at her school.

Performing arts is her forte wherein she has charmed many an audience with her performances in several Kannada plays and yakshagana, notable of which are her role of Shankaracharya in the play of the same name held at BKSBA Mumbai and a challenging dual role in the play 'Pundarika.'

All those achievements at the tender age of just nine years is indeed stupendous. Her hardwork and dedication together with unconditional support and enouragement from her near and dear ones have spelled success for her. Her achievements prove that it is never too early to knock at the door of success.

Priyanjali, revealing the perfectionist in her, says that she aims to hone her dancing skills to a higher degree of ne plus ultra as well take more active part in athletics, of which she is particularly fond of. For sure, Priyanjali is one of those rare talents that God gifts the world only once in a while.