THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For Dr Arya A R, both her passion and profession are in parallel tracks. An ophthalmologist, she has always been passionate about dancing.
“I feel both my dance and medical profession makes me feel full of life. I never felt one is better than other,” said Arya. Though the love for dance was ingrained deep in her, Arya’s wish was to be a doctor, and is now working as assistant professor of Ophthalmology at Govt Medical College, Kottayam.
After a long hiatus from dance, during which she concentrated on her academics, Arya is making a comeback to dance. Her last stage performance was during the Soorya Festival In 2004.
Speaking about the shift in her career, she says, “At one point of time, I did take a break from dancing, but never discontinued it entirely.”
Arya began dancing at age three under the guidance of Girija Chandran, and continues to learn dance under her tutelage. But it is not just dance and medicine where she has proved her mettle. The young danseuse has been trained in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Flute, Mridangam, Mono Act, Violin, Kathakali, Ottamthullal and Folk, winning the Kalathilakom title, and also appeared in child roles in Malayalam films like ‘Butterflies’, ‘Spadikam’ and ‘Oru Vadakan Veeragatha’. Later, trying her luck in compering, she anchored shows in Doordarshan, Asianet and other private channels for over a decade, besides taking part in several stage shows and award nights. At present, Arya is gearing up to perform a Kuchipudi recital at Vyloppilli Samskrithi Bhavan in the capital city.
“This is a blessing for me, without the support from my parents, husband and in-laws’ support, I could not have made it. All my colleagues have been greatly supportive. Last but not the least is my teacher Girija Chandran, who inspired and supported me,” she adds.