A classical performer always remains close to her roots. This rings true for Neha Marda, who became a household name as Gehna in “Balika Vadhu” and featured in a number of reality shows. Neha has now opened an institute of performing arts in Bihar, where she seeks to harness talent of young boys and girls.
“I have opened Royal Opera House Academy in Patna where we are teaching acting, dancing and singing. We are pushing the traditional performing arts of Bihar. I take Bharatanatyam classes,” says Neha, who was in Delhi recently to mark the launch of ‘Genki- Ya Tofu’ in India.
“We have brought in teachers from Mumbai to show the right direction to our students in acting. Teachers of National School of Drama have been roped in to train them in theatre. Dharmesh Sir’s assistants as well as Ritika Raj, an ‘Indian Idol’ contestant, also teach students at our academy.” ”
She is keen to showcase her dancing skills on screen. “As a classical dancer trained in Bharatanatyam and Kathak, I am game for anything related to showcasing my talent in dance. In fact, I have performed in reality shows like “Jhalak Dikhlaaja” and “Nach Baliye”. However, I have not come across any project where my training in classical dance can reach a wider audience.”
This year, promises to be special as Neha hints that she is being considered for a role opposite Salman Khan. “It will be a dream-come-true for me to work alongside Salman Khan. Unless things finalise, I cannot reveal anything but yes I am optimistic that this dream will be realised.”
