Sharing The Same Passion: Sonalika Purohit and Shrinika Purohit

Sharing The Same Passion: Sonalika Purohit and Shrinika Purohit

The relationship between a mother and her daughter is special; it’s unique and unbreakable. It is a sacred bond that allows for closeness and togetherness and at the same time, for independence and space. A strong mother-daughter relationship is the one in which commonalities and similar traits are shared. One such duo is 11-year-old Shrinika and her mother Sonalika Purohit who share a passion for Odissi dance.

For a mother to follow her passion after marriage and childbirth has a lot of restrictions and limitations. An ardent lover of the classical dance Odissi, Sonalika resumed her rehearsals post-childbirth when her daughter was merely two months old. Peacefully lying down in her pram, baby Shrinika would watch her mother gracefully ace the mudras and chaukas of the dance form with rapt attention. Seeing her interest in the traditional dance, Sonalika took it upon herself to groom her daughter when she was only around 2 years old. “It was never pre-planned that my daughter would also learn Odissi just because I was a dancer. When I saw her enthusiasm and interest in the dance, I nurtured it further. And I am happy that she has turned out to be a good dancer and learnt the art form with utmost discipline and devotion,” says Sonalika. 

Shrinika gradually grew up to become a copy of her mother by mastering the moves and expressions of Odissi with perfection. She first performed on stage at the tender age of 3 while still wearing a diaper underneath the complex Odissi attire. The mother-daughter even performed ‘Madhura Ashtakam’ which was praised by all.

“My mother has been my guru since I was a baby. I am a copy-cat as I have learnt all the things from her. I copied Mumma as a toddler. When I was in her womb, she used to crave to dance and practice. I think this is how I inherited her charm and the passion for this wonderful art form,” says Shrinika. 

An accomplished Odissi dancer, Shrinika is also the topper in her class and acts as a mother to her family. Sonalika says, “She’s a sweet, caring little mother for all of us. She makes sure her younger brother Shriansh is up-to-date with all his assignments and studies. She ensures that I take rest and not stress myself.” 

Shrinika believes her father is the most stubborn child in the family. “He always forgets to take his medications on time and exercise. I have to be strict with him. Mumma is the best, but when she forces me to eat all those veggies, I have second thoughts. Why torture me with such unsavoury food?” says the girl with a grumpy smile.

Sonalika feels Shrinika is a gem of a daughter. “Unlike most children, she has never been cranky or stubborn and I have never pushed her to do anything. She has always been very organised and diligent in everything that she pursues. What more can a mother wish for!” says the mother.

Undoubtedly, mothers want what’s best for their children and daughters look up to their mothers for inspiration and advice. Such has been the case with this duo. The unconditional love that they have for each other has helped them to etch a name for themselves in both the creative and competitive worlds.