“When you do what you love, you are happier,” Arpana Vishwanath

By Nidhi Kumari

 Arpana Vishwanath was born in India and moved to Australia at the age of 3. She credits her parents who introduced her to the wonderful world of Arts at a young age.

She started learning classical dance at the age of 7 under the tutelage of Smt. Gayatri Krishnamurthy. Having honed her skills in both Nrithya and Abhinaya, she has grown as a beautiful Bharathnatyam dancer who memerises the audience with her performance at cultural events both in Australia and India.

With a Bachelor of Commerce and Media, Vishwanath works in the financial service, at present.

The way she has balanced her passion and profession immaculately, she is truly an inspiration. She shares her mantra for balancing the two varied fields, her future plans and more. Read on:

Tell us how you have been able to do this so effortlessly?

For me, it’s about splitting my time between my work and personal life. I’m lucky that I have a great work life balance in my job. My time after work and weekends is devoted to my dance, friends, family and other interests.

Tell us about your interest in classical dance and how you were inclined into it?

I was introduced to the arts by my parents from a young age. I began dance at age 7 and piano at age 5, giving me exposure to both indian and western styles of music and dance. I chose to pursue dance as it allows me to stay connected to my culture and heritage, carrying it with me through my life. It’s important for me to maintain a cultural link with India, despite having moved to Australia at a young age, and Bharathnatyam allows me to do this.

Tell us how important it is to follow your passion? Do you think when you do what you love, it helps you be a better person and also makes you more productive at your field of work?

For me, following one’s passion is incredibly important. It gives meaning and direction to one’s life, and provides them with a sense of fulfilment. Our lives today are very busy, with work taking up most of our days. Having passion and interests outside of work are vital to develop a unique set of talents and experiences that can be used in a variety of situations, both inside and outside of work.

When you do what you love, you are happier and more fulfilled allowing you to live the best life you can. This happiness and fulfilment translate into a more positive outlook on life, making one more productive and successful at whatever they pursue.

What’s the most interesting thing that you’ve learned during the process of both as working in the financial services and as a classical dancer?

Work and Bharathnatyam have taught me many lessons, including perseverance, teamwork, resilience, and the importance of having a positive attitude. What’s most interesting to me is how transferable these lessons learned are between the two. Whilst  finance and dance are two very different endeavours, the key skills I have picked up from the two can be translated to any task or endeavour in life.

There are many people who give up their passion for their profession. What do you have to say to them?

Why not both? Your profession is extremely important, but so is the happiness you get from doing what you’re passionate about. Don’t forget that. There’s always time for both.

What has been your inspiration all these years? Also, your calmness mantra on days when you are low:

My teacher Gayatri Krishnamurthy, parents and grandma and have definitely been my inspiration. Seeing their passion and dedication for the art form have encouraged me to pursue and persist on my dance journey. My teacher is a great inspiration and example of balancing work and passion, having a full time job on top of teaching dance on weeknights and weekends. I find that being active really helps me on days that I’m low. Going to the gym or for a run outside are my calmness mantras.

Tell us about your other interests?

• Going to the gym and living a healthy and active lifestyle
• Volunteering at charity and fundraising events through work and dance

Your message for young and aspiring brains:

Follow your passions and persevere with them! If you love doing something you should continue it no matter how good or bad you are at it. No one is born great at anything, and it’s your passion for something that will drive you to improve.

Your message for all young women who oftentimes give up their careers or passion for some reason:

Do what makes you happy and what’s right for you. If you have a passion for something, don’t be afraid to chase it. The sky is the limit!

What are your future plans?

At the moment, it’s to complete my Bharathnatyam arangetram and continue to strive at work. I’m completing my Bharathnatyam arangetram in October 2019.

What’s the best compliment you have ever received? A few years ago, I performed at a charity event to raise funds for an Indian seniors citizens organisation in Sydney. I received many compliments there about how great it was that I was not only showcasing Indian culture, but I was doing so for a great and worthy cause.

What is the last thing you do before sleeping? Watch an episode of my favourite show on Netflix.

Which is your favourite food? Pizza!

Your favourite dancer: Mrs Rukmani Vijayakumar
Your favourite actor: Shah Rukh Khan