At 22, she gave up her first love. 36 years later, she rediscovered her passion. Today, her videos are going viral

Dance once shaped every part of Sunila’s world. It was not merely a hobby but the rhythm that guided her spirit. Yet, like many women of her generation, marriage slowly shifted her priorities. As family duties took centre stage, her artistic aspirations were placed quietly on hold. What once defined her identity gradually faded into the background, replaced by responsibilities that demanded her time and energy. In an interview with The Humans Of Bombay, she shared her views.

Growing Up in a House Full of Melody

Sunila’s childhood unfolded in a home that vibrated with music. Her father loved to sing, and the house constantly echoed with classical tunes accompanied by tabla beats and harmonium notes. That musical atmosphere planted the seeds of her deep connection with movement. At just four years old, she stepped onto a stage for the first time, dancing to a song her father performed. The experience filled her with pure happiness and freedom.

Dance as a Way of Life

As she grew older, dance remained inseparable from her daily existence. She trained in Bharatanatyam during her school years and became a familiar performer at Kerala Samajam events throughout her teenage phase. She also choreographed dance dramas for cultural festivals such as Onam and Vishu. Movement was not something she practiced occasionally; it was intricately woven into her routine and sense of self.

When Dance Took a Backseat

Marriage at the age of 22 brought significant change. Her husband’s banking career meant frequent relocations, while raising children required her complete attention. Over time, dance slipped quietly out of her life. For nearly four decades, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, living a meaningful and fulfilling life, even as her first love became a distant memory.

A Lockdown Awakening

The nationwide lockdown in 2020 altered everything. With the world at a standstill and time stretching endlessly, Sunila stumbled upon a dance video online. Something deep within her stirred. She tried a few steps, then more. Her body responded instinctively, recalling movements long forgotten. Soon, she uploaded a dance performance on YouTube, rekindling a connection she never truly lost.

A Viral Twist of Fate

More than a year later, during celebrations marking Dev Anand’s birth centenary, legendary actress Wahida Rehman received the Dada Saheb Phalke Award. Someone reshared Sunila’s dance video, mistakenly presenting it as the veteran actor celebrating her honour. Overnight, messages flooded in, and confusion spread among friends and family. The video went viral, not under Sunila’s name, but as a joyful tribute linked to Wahida Rehman. Sunila embraced the moment with grace and amusement.

Inspiring Dreams Beyond Age

What moved her most were not the views or mistaken identity, but the messages from strangers who felt encouraged to revisit their abandoned dreams. Supporting her journey is her son Aditya, a professional musician who edits her videos from airports, hotels, and even flights. Together, they prove that passion never expires. Sunila’s story stands as a reminder that dreams do not vanish with time; they simply wait patiently to be reclaimed.