Shubhangi Atre, Sapna Sikarwar and other actors celebrate their love for Dance on International Dance Day

Dance is not just an art form—it’s a celebration of life, emotion, and identity. While many see dance as a fun way to stay active or a performance to admire, for artists, it's often a sacred space of expression. On International Dance Day, celebrated annually on April 29, television actors like Shubhangi Atre, Sapna Sikarwar, and Neeta Mohindra reflect on their enduring bond with dance and how it continues to inspire their artistic and personal lives.

Veteran actress Neeta Mohindra, known for her role as Kailasha Bua in Bheema, shares, “Dance is pure joy to me and my soul’s favourite way to express itself. It’s been my lifelong companion in theatre and TV. From Bharatanatyam and Odissi to the vibrant beats of Bhangra and Gidda, every form has deepened my connection to myself. Whether on stage or dancing alone, it fills me with peace and belonging.”

Sapna Sikarwar, who plays Bimlesh in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, echoes the sentiment with her own story. “Dance has always been my happy place. Before acting, I used to choreograph college shows and weddings! I’ve performed Kathak, Bollywood, everything. I still remember the thrill of my first solo—the music, the applause, it was magic. Even today, I sneak in some moves during shoots. Dance makes me feel alive.”

For Shubhangi Atre, the beloved Angoori Bhabi of Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, dance is a soulful retreat. “Dance has always been close to my heart, it is where I feel most alive. My Kathak training taught me grace and discipline, but more than that, it gave me a way to express myself fully. I danced Lavni, Garba, and Bollywood, and I love them all. I, at times, also Choreograph dance sequences in our show, and it makes me feel more energetic. No matter how hectic the day is, just a few moments of dancing bring me joy and peace. For me, dance is not just a skill, it is an emotion, a rhythm that lives inside me.”