Recently featured in a short film Unbroken (Ushoshi Sengupta Productions x Calcutta-based production house Digital Nerve project) to mark Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Singini Chowdhury has achieved a lot at the tender age of 23. The versatile dancer started off with Bharatanatyam and smoothly ventured into Kathak and street dance styles. She owns her own dance studio at Naktala — Sweven A Dream (another franchise is set to start operating at Topsia in July) — and has been featured in the Hoichoi Mini-series Bengali Medium Boyfriend vs English Medium Girlfriend, Ponchish Ey Paa by SVF Stories and Marziyan by Ayan Sil. She recently turned muse for the t2 lens and oozed poise and finesse in a shoot. A t2 chat with the multi-talented artiste.
Q: When did you start dancing?
I started dancing at the age of three and trained in Bharatanatyam.
Q: How did you find out that you would not want a mainstream career?
Since childhood, I have unconsciously started dancing, feeling a deep connection with this art form. I always knew I didn’t want a cliche career, and dance has provided me with a unique path that combines creativity, discipline, and expression.
Q: What were the challenges while doing so?
I really feel lucky and blessed to have a supportive family. Hence honestly, I didn’t face challenges from my family side. My friends and school teachers were also supportive as I balanced my academics and co-curriculum well.
Q: When did you launch your studio?
I launched my studio when I was in school, in the XIth standard.
Q: How was the response?
I started teaching at the age of 14, so I was really confident about my teaching skills, thus the response was also really good and positive.
Q: What’s the best compliment you have received on your dance?
I have been a versatile dancer so the best compliment I received was that I could mould into any dance form and perform it with equal ease and grace.
Q: How was your experience shooting for Unbroken?
The experience has enriched my artistic journey and deepened my commitment to pursuing a career that inspires and moves others. Unbroken pushed me to new heights as a performer and reinforced my belief in the transformative power of art. The team was fun and our producer Ushoshi Sengupta was really great to work with. I stayed too serious as I had to play some roles of breakdown and I practise method acting. During our breaks we’d have lots of fun together and eat good food.
Q: When did you realise you wanted to become an actor?
I realised at the age of six when I was auditioning for a short documentary film Buro Ghor for SRFTI. I felt a sense of belonging and excitement that I had never experienced before. The thrill of embodying a character and bringing a story to life captivated me entirely.
Q: What other films do you have in the pipeline?
I’m thrilled to share that I am currently auditioning for several exciting projects that promise to be both challenging and rewarding. These opportunities span a variety of genres and formats, allowing me to explore new facets of my craft and further develop my versatility as an actor.
Q: Share your experience of shooting in London...
Shooting for Urbanic in London was an unforgettable experience. The city’s vibrant energy and iconic backdrops provided the perfect setting for the campaign. Working with a talented team of photographers, stylists, and fellow models, we captured the essence of Urbanic’s trendy and chic fashion. I’m proud to have been part of such an exciting project and look forward to more opportunities like this in the future.
Q: Which form of dance do you like the best? How do you choreograph?
I love Kathak in classical Indian dance and hip-hop in street-style dance. If you know how to freestyle, you can definitely choreograph. So the key is freestyle.
Q: Over the years, how have you evolved as a dancer?
My journey as a dancer has been one of continuous evolution, marked by growth, challenges, and profound personal discovery. From the moment I first felt the rhythm of music, dance became an intrinsic part of my identity. In the early stages, I started with basic movements and routines, finding joy in the sheer act of dancing. Over time, I immersed myself in various dance styles, from classical to waacking and hip-hop, each offering new techniques and expressions. Collaborating with other dancers and choreographers has also been instrumental in my growth. These interactions have fostered creativity and innovation, inspiring me to push boundaries and explore new dimensions of dance. Dance remains a lifelong passion, and I am committed to nurturing it, embracing every opportunity to learn, perform, and inspire others through this beautiful art form.