No tumor can unknot Sruthy's chilanka

KOCHI: Kalamandalam Sruthy is gifted and has reached exponential heights with her dancing career. However, a rare disease to the legs years back gave scare about ending her dancing career. For a long time since then, it was all quiet, and surprisingly, the disease made an exit bringing hope. Alas, now it has returned to haunt Sruthy again, but the gallant young lady is far from broken and is not ready to unknot her chilanka( ghungroo).

Sruthy aged 37 is a Kannur Padiyottuchal native. She took graduation in Bharatanatyam from Kalamandelam. Later she went to Trichy and completed post-graduation at Kalai Kaveri college. All her dreams circled dance and performing. She later reached the abode of Britain where her proficiency in the trade turned her to adorn the teaching robe.

It was eight years before that Sruthy noticed a bulge on her knees. Initially, it was neglected as a hit on the bench while in class, but with time, it was too serious to ignore since the pain started swarming up. She took Ayurveda treatment in Britain but to no respite. In 2018, November, Sruthy reached Kochi and consulted with a private hospital. She was diagnosed with giant cell tumor, a rare disease. Four of the tumors were taken out till now while the doctors had just one piece of advice for Sruthy— quit dancing.

For two years she took the advice seriously and remained idle at home. Later the boredom crept in and took a toll which made her jump back slowly to her old ways. The perseverance and sheer willpower made her come back to dancing and it was in Vaikom temple where she adorned her Bharatanatyam robe to officially take a second coming into the niche she loves.

Late actress Monisha’s mother helped Sruthy reach actor Vineeth's dance academy in Thripunithura. She also takes classes at dance academy run by prominent singer Sithara. However, it will be on mostly times unexpected when things turn awry. While on a Rajasthan trip, just four months back, Sruthy again experienced the same pain which haunted her years back.

After consulting, it was confirmed. The disease is back. She was advised again to stop dancing. Sruthy now takes her treatment seriously but says in rip-roaring surety about returning to dance, whatever it be.