KOCHI: Redefining age, energy and zest for life, this dancing couple from Thiruvananthapuram is the latest Internet sensation.The 56-year-old wildlife photographer and conservationist Balan Madhavan and 55-year-old wife Latha set the stage on fire at the pre-wedding ceremony of their friends’ daughter.
The dance happened a year ago, but the recent ‘dancing uncle’ sensation, in which Sanjeev Srivastava a professor from Bhopal gained massive popularity brought this couple’s video back in the limelight. “Many websites and platforms started sharing our video appreciating our dance and comparing it with the dancing uncle. It was unexpected,” said Balan.
He said his friend told him there will be no outsiders to perform on the wedding eve function which would be a family affair. “My wife then asked me if we could perform a duet and I agreed immediately,” he added.The couple then practised in the limited time available and performed to the popular song ‘Ponmagal Vanthal’. In the three-minute video, the couple keep up an energetic Bollywood-style dance. The couple has performed the same dance later at their club day functions.
Balan noted that there is a general shyness among Malayalis which restricts them from performing in public.“People are always worried about what society will think. This thought needs to be deleted from our minds. I am happy that today’s generation thinks differently,” he said. In north India, this attitude is absent and the whole family dancing at a public function is common, he added.
When netizens started talking about the dance, Balan shared the video once again on his wall insisting that everybody should come out of their shell. He highlighted that people irrespective of age should listen to their heart and break stereotypes.
“I never learned dance in my life, but when my wife asked, I felt like giving it a try. Life is about enjoying the moment,” he said with a chuckle. Balan noted he did not even know what kind of dance he performed, but it made him happy, which he believes should be the ultimate motto of life. The couple is also gearing up for another performance for their club. “Photography is my passion and I made it into my profession, but if I find something new like this dance that excites me, I will never refuse to take it up. I am not an image-conscious person and I hope everybody starts thinking like that and lives life to the fullest,” he said.
A self-taught photographer from 30 years, Balan is one among five members from Asia who are part of the International League of Conservation Photographers. He is also a corporate photographer his wife is a kindergarten teacher.