Ageless grace: They shake a leg and leap past their 'retired life'

FARIDABAD: In a world where retirement often signals the end of many dreams, two women from Hisar are demonstrating that life's possibilities don't diminish with age.
Ratni Sharma (64) and Premlata (62), members of Apne Riwaj, a distinctive performance group primarily comprising elderly women, have turned the conventional idea of aging on its head with their dynamic folk dance performances.
These talented performers discovered their passion for dance and music in their 50s, which eventually led to the formation of their professional troupe.
Their dedication and skill have earned them recognition across various platforms. The pair recently showcased their talent at the Surajkund fair on Friday, performing a welcome dance for the chief minister.
"After losing my spouse in 2019, I experienced uncertainty about continuing my passion. Despite having doubts and feeling hopeless initially, I realised that abandoning it would only lead to isolation. Dancing has given me a purpose in life. My family, too, has been supportive and appreciates this art form," said Ratni Sharma.
On their journey of getting selected for the fair, team leader Premlata said that while their group was performing folk songs and dance at their neighbourhood park, a member of the Surajkund fair selection committee spotted them and extended an invitation to them. He specifically requesting them to perform a welcome dance for the Haryana CM, she said.
"I worked as a teacher when we established this group. Now, I am retired. People often claim that balancing passion with work is impossible, but I question this notion. Our group consists of 12-15 women, predominantly senior citizens. Dancing and singing have been my lifelong passions, and after dedicating most of my years to teaching, I finally got the chance to showcase my talents on such a prestigious platform and in the presence of such esteemed guests," said Premlata.
The cultural legacy of Haryana, like most parts of India, encompasses a vast collection of oral literary traditions, the group leader said, adding that the artists aim to spread it far and wide.
"The precious, non-tangible heritage manifests itself through various forms including songs, dances, ballads, tales, proverbs etc, and we aim to pass these on to generations to come," she added.