MEET NEHA
EXPRESSING HAPPINESS THROUGH DANCE
Neha Karamchandani founded the first and only full-service South Asian dance studio (Bollywood, Bharatanatyam, Kathak and more) in Markham, Ontario.
Name: Neha Karamchandani. As a Hindu, my mother was told by the family pandit that my name should begin with the letter N. I was born two days after Diwali, which meant the environment was filled with happiness. People were loving, caring and friendly. As such, my mom named me Neha, which means friendly. She chose the name based on her feelings, and I love it!
Currently: I’m running Markham’s first and only full-service South Asian dance studio (Bollywood, Bharatanatyam, Kathak and more) that I founded. We’ve a curriculum in place to help our dancers grow into professional performers and something for those who are looking for just fun and fitness.
Favourite colour: Blue.
Favourite designer: Manish Malhotra.
Favourite Bollywood star: Without a doubt, Shahrukh Khan.
Favourite Hollywood star: Will Smith.
Favourite movie: Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.
Favourite singer: Don’t really have one, but if I had to choose, Sonu Nigam.
Favourite songs: 90s’ hits like Tujhe dekha to yeh jaana sanam.
Favourite TV show: Thirty years later, re-watching Fresh Prince of Bel-Air again!
Favourite ice-cream flavour: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
Favourite cuisine: Hakka and Thai are both up there!
Favourite restaurant: Jatujak.
Favourite sports: Cricket and basketball.
Favourite sportsperson: Virat Kohli.
Favourite book: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***.
Favourite activity: Going on long drives with my husband.
I hang out: With my family and friends – the only people who make my soul happy which is important as you get older!
I’m freaked out by: Insects.
I need: Happiness, abundance, success, health, and peace of mind – these satisfy my soul!
I want to be: A well-known and respected dance guru.
My role model: Terence Lewis, because he values his students and their contributions to the dance community, and he’s a phenomenal choreographer and performer.
Tips to save the planet: 1. Replace plastic straws with stainless steel ecotubes. 2. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
In a perfect world: Everyone would be healthy, safe, and flourishing in their dreams!
Check out Neha Karamchandani’s dance studio at http://www.danceexpression.ca to join in-person or virtual classes. Free trials available for all ages.
Be a Desi star! If you’d like Desi News readers to ‘meet’ you, call 416-695-4357 or write to desinews@rogers.com to arrange a photo session! It’s fun and it’s free!