Career choices are always important. Especially if your desires are different from expectations people have from you.

Mohit’s story is probably one that will inspire those who want to follow their heart’s calling. While he gave his best to be an engineer, his ambition to do choreography was stronger than his will to learn the laws of trigonometry.

The Global Bhatia chats with him to know what moves him.

By Nirav Bhimani

What do you do for a living?

I’m  a choreographer and Artistic Director by profession.  Just a fancy name for who we  call a ‘Dance  Teacher’. I cater to a wide range of services like wedding & corporate choreography, flash mobs, award function performances, ad films,  workshops,  etc.

What made you take it up? How did you arrive at the decision?

I  got  introduced  to choreography  when it  wasn’t  convincing  enough  for  someone  to  pay  for  it.  Weddings and other  events were  just choreographed by  the  better dancer  in  the  group. A lot has changed now.

Do share some experiences…of how you dealt with the highs and lows

I started my career working as an assistant to someone. The pay wasn’t great and work hours were hectic. Having no support in the family made it difficult in the earlier stages. I had to balance my time between engineering studies and choreography.

Were parents convinced? Did you face any kind of resistance?

I’ve been really blessed with super-supportive parents that push me to pursue my dreams.

Do share some experiences of how you dealt with the highs and lows?

The life of an artist is full of highs  and  lows.  In  the  initial  years,  be  ready  for  exploitation  (of  work)  and  don’t  expect  to  make  money. Since art itself is so subjective, you tend to be  lost – there’s hardly any concept  of right and wrong. After getting a hang of it, I became  confident  and  started  paving  a  path  for  myself.  I’m  still  on  my  journey  uncertain  of  where  it is goig to  take  me  but  I  love it!

Did you ever face depression or helplessness? What would you advice others in challenging situations?

I wasn’t  very attentive in  class.  Was  good with  what  I learned  but never  took the  initiative  to  learn  what is written  in books. But I didn’t stress too much over it.

What are the next steps…how have you planned your career?

I’m  already working with  the top clientele in  Mumbai  and around. Am planning  to  expand  doing  events  all over  India and overseas  as well.

Do you have a mentor?

My mentor is an individual I worked with around  4  years back. I worked with  him for almost 4 years and learnt everything what  I  do  today  from  him.  Today we don’t talk much as he believes that I only used the time with him to grow my own business. xBut the respect from my side has never changed.

What is your most special achievement?

Weddings happen almost everyday. But  the  corporate  field  has  given  me  lot  of  fame.  Have  been  choreographing  annual  events for  NSE, Kalpataru, Aranca  &  other  companies  for  three  years  consecutively  now.

What are the 3 important lessons you have learnt?

1. Try & try till you succeed.
2. Keep your circle limited. Not everyone is your friend.
3. Never sell your business. Better business is generated with developing relationships.