In Commonplace

    I am Shreya, a performing artist and a writer. In short, I am a storyteller through different forms of Art. Growing up as a young artist from no background in this field I fight little battles of my own every day. I have to answer fifty questions from ten different people is commonplace. I spend more time answering these questions than my Riyaz (practice), which is unfortunate and something that I cannot change at all. I am very sure every artist, in the main, performing artists who are women are asked questions like; “what do you do for a living?”, “so you are not interested in studies?”, “what are your plans for marriage?”, “will you be able to continue even after marriage and children?" and on in this wise. These questions are not asked in other professions but why artistes are asked? When will we start accepting Art as a profession? ‘I dance for a living’, ‘Yes, I am interested in studying as well. In fact, I am working hard enough to score a rank this year’, ‘I am not planning on marriage for now but I shall surely invite you when it happens’, and ‘Well, time will answer that question’. These are just a case in point, trust me it's harder to face this in person. 

         We are artists, and our job is to explain peace and love through stories, it’s shameful because it’s the vary purpose of life and it has to be taught. You can help us make a living by just not asking such questions and buying tickets to a live show. Every artist dies a small death within when asked these, yet gathers courage in taking forward the Art. With all spirit, I talk for most of the artists and take pride in saying that I am a part of this Art and shall be forever.