Portrait featuring Nirupama Anand , Founder of BollyFIT dance

What do Indian classical dance, molecular genetics, and neuroscience have in common?

More than you’d think.

A few weeks ago, I had the joy of meeting someone whose inner beauty shone throughout our conversation. 

Nirupama Anand 🌀 is not just a dance teacher. Her energy, philosophy, and life story are infused with a contagious joie de vivre that stays with you long after you’ve met her.

Born on a naval ship (yes, really!) and raised in Hong Kong, Nirupama discovered the magic of Bharatanatyam as a young girl. Today, she channels that same magic into Bollyfit and Bollywood-inspired classes that empower and energise women of all ages and backgrounds.

But where do biology and the brain fit into all of this? 

You'll have to tune in to this week's episode to find out! (full episode out on Thursday on our usual channels)

p.s - The podcast is taking a little winter break from next week. See you in a month!

00:00 - Intro 

01:56 - Starting life aboard a ship

04:06 - Growing up in Hong Kong

05:17 - The love of dance

07:11 - Discovering Bharatanatyam

09:38 - Developing the passion for dance

11:22 - I am not a good dancer, what do I do?

12:15 - Why Molecular genetics and neuroscience

15:15 - The ethics of scientific research

17:25 - Why Mauritius? 

20:59 - Growing up in Mauritius

23:51 - Taking on the role of a mother

27:52 - The birth of Bollywood

30:30 - Dance as a tool to empower

31:13 - The mother’s guilt

32:51 - The interconnectedness of everything

34:13 - Music as medicine

36:36 - Holding that space for longer

37:13 - The age of convenience

38:05 - Movement other than dance as we age

40:02 - Choosing karate

44:43 - Finding joy

47:12 - Where to dance with Nirupama