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From field to stage

18-year-old Rajasree Setty is turning heads by brilliantly exhibiting both her artistry and athleticism.

Very few know that Rajasree Setty, who recently performed her Bharatanatyam Arangetram, is also a National level throw ball athlete and a gold medalist who represented Telangana State. The 18-year-old first picked up Bharatanatyam at the age of 10 under her gurus Hemamalini Arni and Kiranmayee Madupu.

“My mother was a classical dancer, so dance is something that I inherited at a very early age and it is my obsession,” explains Rajasree, adding, “I am pleased that I could hold the audience captive with my dance in my Arangetram; it means a lot to me and also gives me the opportunity to further excel in dance.”

Patruni  SastryPatruni Sastry

Currently pursuing her under-graduation at St. Francis College for Women, Rajasree shares that she got fascinated with throw ball during her school days. “I saw my friends playing throw ball and was attracted to it. Slowly, I started liking it and developed an interest for it. I was picked for my school side and later my trainers and teachers encouraged me to excel in sports,” she reveals.

Representing Telangana State in the Nationals was a gratifying experience for the multi-talented artiste. “Indeed it is, because when I started playing the sport, I never knew that I would come this far. So I am thankful for the opportunities I got,” explains the spirited youngster, who practices both Bharatanatyam and throw ball for an hour every day.

Kids at Vidyaranya SchoolKids at Vidyaranya School

Interestingly, dance and sports require a great deal of athletic ability. But Rajasree says that balancing both and studies wasn’t all that difficult for her. “It was actually fun,” she says, adding, “I have understood that you can excel in multiple fields only if you like them. I also have to credit my teachers and parents for constantly instilling confidence and encouraging me not to give up.”

A performer at SaptaparniA performer at Saptaparni

From a National level throw ball athlete to a Bharatanatyam dancer, Rajasree states that the learning curve has been big. “I have realised that one has to work hard to achieve anything and there’s no short-cut to success. Sports and dance have taught me not to be complacent and to continue to work hard. Nothing comes easy and we need to be committed in our endeavours. This aspect has had a great impact in shaping my personality,” she says.

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