Opening Doorz

By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | May 10, 2019

Hrishitaa Bhatt is taking kathak to Switzerland…

Two years of married life have enhanced the glow on Hrishitaa Bhatt’s face. Meeting her after almost 10 years at Bandra’s famous eatery, ‘Candies’, in Mumbai, she looks 10 years younger than when I last met her. Full of vigour, looking smashing in a white top and light blue denim sans make-up, Hrishitaa talks even before she can sit down. She continues speaking as I look in amazement at the shy little girl, from 22 years ago, who walked in to meet me at the Bombay Times office, after taking her first steps in modelling and Bollywood.

Yes, it has been that long and Hrishitta has blossomed into this fine young woman who gives credit to kathak for her glowing skin, fitness, and mental well-being. Of course, marriage to UN Diplomat Anand Tiwari has also played an important part in this ‘happy state of hers’. “Marriage brings in a very different perspective of life but the interesting thing is that we both belong to different professions and there is much to learn from each other while not losing our individualistic approach to life,” she says summing up the last two years. As for kathak, “It is almost an addiction which has helped me express and defines who I am,” she reveals.

As Hrishitaa celebrates her birthday today, Opening Doorz reproduces excerpts of our conversation and some from 10 years ago. Asked what her romantic getaway was then, she had replied: “I love the mountains and the snow I feel it’s the most romantic ambience even if you are by yourself.” That she is now living more among the snow-clad mountains in Switzerland is no coincidence. God does give one the desires of their heart!

Hrishitaa is a very private person and has always chosen to be known through her work. “I rarely speak about my personal life or relationships,” she asserts but then with a smile, she sits down to speak about kathak, Anand, Bollywood… I guess 22 years of knowing each other does give one a comfort level.

Over to Hrishitaa Bhatt.

Kathak, a dance form close to my heart…

Kathak is a narrative… a form that I have pursued since the age of 7. For me, it is food for my soul, body, and mind. Any pure classical form is magical, illuminating, and embraces the depths of a soul. Whether at school, college or shoots my kathak practice has been a constant. I loved and pursued this form and it was the most meditative and uplifting part of my existence. It keeps me fit physically, mentally, and spiritually; it is almost an addiction and, over the years, has helped me express and define who I am. Dance has played a major role in helping me with my acting skills and career as an actor.

My gurus...

I have been lucky to have learned from many gurus of both the Lucknow and Banaras gharanas (origins and styles of the form being from Lucknow, Banaras, and Jaipur). Recently, I started my practices with the late legendary Sitara Devi and now I continue with her daughter, Jayantimala Mishra.

It takes two to tango…

It’s been two years since my marriage and my husband being a diplomat shuttles between Switzerland, Delhi, and Mumbai. That allows me opportunities to travel and take my passion to another country and hopefully soon I plan to introduce kathak in Switzerland. Most people in a foreign land are fascinated with Indian culture and of course Bollywood! I’m planning a kathak recital sometime this year in Switzerland.

The past two years of married life have been about learning experiences, friendship, love, and of course creating an everlasting bond with all its ups and downs, which I guess comes with every relationship. Marriage brings in a very different perspective to life but the interesting thing is that we both belong to different professions and there is much to learn from each other while not losing our individualistic approach to life. The beauty is in coexistence while helping each other grow and learn.

Bollywood, serials, events…

Besides being busy with my personal life, on the professional front, I’m busy with endorsements and events. I’m also currently hosting a very popular show on Doordarshan titled Rangoli. This show was earlier hosted by Hema Malini and Sharmila Tagore and ever since has continued to be a favourite of audiences across all age groups. It showcases and talks about legendary lyricists, music directors, film directors, etc. Each episode is dedicated to one individual or a specific theme and packed with exciting known and unknown facts about them. We showcase select songs as per the topic of the episode. 

Blast from the past, from 10 years ago…

On what makes a man hot—looks or intelligence…
Both, but more importantly intelligence cause an intelligent man looks attractive as he has a flair for smartness which adds to his personality. Moreover, looks don’t remain; intelligence does.  

On the milestones of her career…
Quite a few; first it was my music video by the Aryans then my Liril campaign then Asoka and then Haasil…

On her childhood memories…
It was definitely my school; I studied in Jamnabai Narsee right from nursery to Std X. It was my first home. I was both vice-captain and captain of my school and was involved in every extra-curricular activity, be it dance, drama, or sport. Strangely I was a ranker but was hardly in class!

Also Read: Hrishitaa Bhatt: Experience each moment to the fullest!