Innovative individuals always think out of the box and come up with unique ideas. They face every adverse situation bravely. These people have the zeal to succeed and to make a difference in the society through their hard work and dedication. These individuals not only work for their own success, but also inspire others through their efforts.
One such renowned personality who is making waves in the Marathi film and dance Industry is Ms. Phulva Khamkar. She is the winner of India’s first dance reality show Boogie Woogie, Season 1 in 1997 and was among 5 finalists in Dance India Dance Super Moms in 2013. Ms. Phulva has choreographed numerous Hindi and Marathi films such as Happy New Year, Julie 2, Natarang, Kuni Mulgi Deta Ka Mulgi, and Mitwaa (2015). She also won the Zee Marathi’s dance reality show Eka Peksha Ek (season 1) and was a judge for second and third season of the same. She received Zee Gaurav Award 2010 for best choreography for song Apsara Aali from Natrang.
In an interview with Insights Success, Ms. Phulva shares about her journey in the dance and film industry, her major achievements, her source of inspiration, and her future plans. Below are the highlights of the interview:Â Â Â
Kindly tell us about yourself and your profession.
I am a professional choreographer and dance instructor. I work in Marathi film industry as a dance director and have my own dance studio at Mahim known as Phulawa’s School of Dance & Gymnastics.
Please enlighten us about some of your achievements.
Being a sports person, I have received Chhatrapati Puraskar from the government of Maharashtra in the year 92/93 for gymnastics. I think competition is very important for our growth, but I think you should compete with your own performance, and you should appreciate others. That’s what I try to do.
Please tell us about your source of inspiration. Who motivates you to accomplish your objectives?
Me and my husband are together since we were 16 so almost 30 years, we are together. We have daughter who is 17. I feel we have come long way in this journey and my family’s constant support makes me handle any challenges in my personal life.
What are the various challenges that you have faced throughout your career?
While doing my first film Natarang I faced a big challenge of directing a song for the film. Â I was not even assisted anyone. I did all songs from that film received all awards of that year and my challenge to keep up those expectations was a big challenge.
What has been the role of social media in your work?
I realized that the social media platform is playing an important part in my work. That’s where all my strategies about my work shifted from traditional world to little technical world. I became more active and available on social media which helped me in my work as a choreographer as well as a dance instructor.
How has the pandemic affected your work and how are you trying to cope with the situation?
The pandemic has badly hit our work- especially the entertainment industry. All films and shoots have stranded. Since I am also a dance instructor it somehow has helped me to get through this difficult phase. I work from my studio and do lot of online classes and workshops.
How are you using online platforms?
Keeping this pandemic situation in mind I will be working more through online platform and will create work through these platforms.
What is your advice to the youngster who want to pursue their career in the field of dance?
I would encourage people to do come in this profession if and only if they are passionate about dance. Basically, you need hard work, patience and consistency to sustain in such a profession and if you ready to do that then dance will never let you down!
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I see myself directing various ventures including dance numbers and films.
What is your opinion about the current scenario of the entertainment industry?
Honestly, the scenario in our entertainment industry is not very good right now. Everyone especially our backstage crew, technicians and their helpers, makeup hair staff, spot boys, dancers are waiting to start the work and get back to work.
