By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | April 21, 2025
The vibrant Malayalee culture recently unfolded in the United Kingdom at the UUKMA Kalamela, an annual extravaganza organised by the Union of United Kingdom Malayalee Associations. This year’s competition saw a dazzling display of talent, with the regional rounds taking place in October and the national finals culminating in the first week of November. Among the standout performers was Aishwarya Vinu Nair, a multifaceted artist who showcased her prowess in three distinct dance forms: Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattom, and Folk Dance.
The journey to the national stage began with intense regional competitions, divided into 10 zones across the UK. Aishwarya competed in the East and West Midlands region, held in Coventry, where participants must be members of their local Kerala community.
Aishwarya: Dance Champion in the UK
Representing the Coventry Kerala Community (CKC) in the senior category (ages 18 to 35), Aishwarya’s artistry shone brightly as she secured first place in all three dance categories. This remarkable feat earned her the coveted title of regional ‘Kalathilakam’, the Overall Champion Award presented to the contestant with the highest points.
The national competition, held in Gloucester, brought together the top contenders from each region, with 10 to 15 participants vying for the top spot in each category. Furthermore, Aishwarya received the ‘Natya Mayoori Trophy’, a special honour bestowed upon dancers who win three first prizes, solidifying her dominance in the competition.
Not far away from her roots, whichever part of the world she sets her foot in, Aishwarya, currently pursuing her bachelor’s in chemical engineering at the University of Birmingham, is gung-ho about the Malayalee community and also about the fact that she gets to strap on her ghungroos and dance to the beats, something that is an intrinsic part of her.
Opening Doorz caught up with the vivacious dancer who is as passionate about her dance as her studies and modelling, which, for now, has taken a backseat.
Excerpts:
Preparing for dance performances is no small feat, especially in a country where you are pursuing further studies. How did you manage that with your academic load?
It was tough. I’ve been dancing for so long that some of it is muscle memory, but I wasn’t very physically active during University due to the workload. I had to rebuild my stamina. The two weeks before a competition are usually crucial for me—I practice like there’s no tomorrow. In Dubai, I had proper space at home, even a gym in my building. But in the UK, that’s not the case—flats are small, and floors aren’t soundproof, which makes practising classical dance hard. Hence, I started staying back at the University, finding empty rooms, and rehearsing for hours. That was the only way.
With your packed schedule, do you see yourself continuing with dance long-term?
Absolutely. Dance has never been something I considered quitting. Even now, whenever there’s an event or a competition on campus, I grab the chance to perform. There may be gaps between performances, but dance is always there. It’s never stopped.
Could you see yourself pursuing dance professionally in the future?
I’d love to. Performing around the world and sharing my art would be a dream come true. I feel most at home on stage. Even if not full-time, if I get opportunities to perform whenever possible, I’ll take them. That would be a blessing.
You’ve surely inspired young girls watching you perform. What advice would you give aspiring dancers, especially young Malayalee dancers in the UK?
Just start. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, teacher, or setup. Watch YouTube videos, find online mentors, and freestyle in your room—just begin. The hardest part is taking that first step. Once you start and realise how much you love it, you’ll naturally want to keep going. Don’t worry about what others say. If dance makes you happy, do it.
Who have been your biggest influences in your dance journey? Any mentors who’ve shaped your style?
I’ve always admired Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai. I’m also a massive Hrithik Roshan fan—his movements are so fluid, like water. In classical dance, Rama Vaidyanathan and Dr. Janaki Rangarajan have inspired me. Their ability to express even the smallest emotions through dance is so powerful. Watching them perform is truly captivating.
Can you briefly walk us through your current education journey after you moved to the UK from Dubai?
I’m in my second year of a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham. It’s usually a three-year course, but I plan to switch to an integrated Master’s—MEng—so it becomes a four-year program.
What’s the plan after graduation?
Ideally, I want to complete my education here and get into one of the graduate schemes offered by companies in the UK. Our University has a good reputation, and many firms offer internships and placements that can turn into full-time roles. After gaining a few years of experience, I’m open to seeing where life takes me—maybe even somewhere completely new.
Back in Dubai, you were pursuing modelling seriously. Has that chapter closed?
Not at all. It’s just on pause. I’ve always done multiple things—academics, dance, karate, pageantry—and my parents have been very supportive of that. Right now, I feel this is the time to focus on my education. Dance remains a significant part of my life, and I am not finished with modelling; I want to be better prepared for my return, particularly since transitioning from teen pageants to adult ones is a major step.
Do you ever feel bad about taking a step back from something you were doing well in?
No, not at all. I truly believe what’s meant for you will always find its way back. This break is helping me prepare better. When I return to modelling, I want to feel ready—physically, mentally, emotionally. I don’t see it as a setback; it’s like a strategic pause.
Are there pageants in the UK—like Miss UK or Miss Kerala—that you’ve considered entering?
Yes, the UK has its pageants, like Miss Great Britain, similar to Miss India or Miss Universe India. I’m not sure about the eligibility—whether you need citizenship or just residency—but if I ever participate, I’d love to represent India, not any other country.
Image Credit: Aishwarya Vinu Nair
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