Q&A: Discipline defines this dancer

What according to you is one of the most important qualities a dancer must possess?
 Self Discipline
One dancer you admire and why?  
Protima Bedi for her guts and determination
Your biggest pet peeve?
People taking time for granted
Your first tryst with dance?
As a kid I danced with the famous Amala Shankar troupe
5 things that are always in your purse?
Money, Lip balm, specs, kajal and bindi.
How has your engagement with dance changed over time?
Before it was more about practise and getting perfection that was important but now, it has become more spiritual 
Your biggest fan moment?
At Varanasi, for the International Performing Art Festival at the Assi Ghat, a whole lot of unknown people came and surrounded me with praises and questions. Felt like some sort of a diva.
If not a dancer, what would you be?
An elephant whisperer
What about your profession do you love most?
The discipline and hard work that we put in and of course, the accolades that we get after the performance
Most embarrassing moment on stage?
Long back I was performing with my Guruji, Late Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, and by mistake he pushed me on the stage before my part could come and I didn’t know what to do but just did some steps with the music and then stood like a statue till it was my turn.