THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: They say age is no bar to chase your passion. And, this goes true in the case of Ambili Menon, a Chennai-based lawyer and mother of two. She might be juggling case files, but that doesn’t mean she let go off her passion - Mohiniyattom.The dancer who recently performed at Chottanikkara for the Navaratri Festival captivated the audience with her poise and grace.
First steps
Ambili Menon started dancing when she was seven. Born in Tripunithura where it was kind of mandatory to learn a classical art, she chose Mohiniyattam.
As to why she chose it rather than the more-popular Bharathanatyam, Ambili Menon says: “I could easily understand the lyrics of Mohiniyattam kritis as it was in Malayalam and written by my guru Kalamandalam Kalyanikutti Amma.”
Performing at different temple festivals and competitions, Ambili Menon fell in love with Mohiniyattam.
When profession and motherhood took over her life, she was forced to put dancing in the back burner. A long break ensued. But, then her passion couldn’t lie dormant for long.
Back on stage
To get back to dancing, Ambili Menon had to get back to shape. Soon, she took to running as suggested by her friend. Next, Ambili was known as a marathon runner.
“All my interests compliments each other. If I don’t run, my form in dance would get affected.” And being in Chennai has always helped. She says: “People in Chennai are bonded to their culture. Here, people treat art as a part of life. There are a lot of people who inspires me, many IAS officers who are excellent singers and management executives who are graceful dancers.”
But, how does she juggles between dance, running and work? “I find it easy to do all these together because I am passionate about them. My family is very supportive. My children come and watch me perform on stage whenever and wherever,” says Ambili Menon.