Be it, tackling the transgender issues or meeting financial commitments, she has overcome all odds to pursue what her heart said. Her name means the ‘Ultimate Goal’ and true to her name, she has achieved her goal all by herself. Meet Lakshya Rajesh, a dancer and a choreographer who has created a niche for herself in a short span of time.

When did the journey towards dance commence?

I hail from a joint family way back in Aluva, Kerala and I remember my elders telling me that I start dancing whenever I listen to a song. When I was 12years old, a Telugu flick named Sankarabharnam released which inspired me. The actress of the movie Manju Bhargavi was so beautiful and I used to imitate her with the same movements and costumes. I then started dancing without a Guru. That is when my journey towards dance started.

How was it learning from a Guru?

I realized that my interest is towards dance only, so I wanted to learn it formally from a Guru. Also, my father loved arts. So he took me to Kalamandalam Sumathi when I was 13years old and I learnt for around 5years. That is when I got a clear picture of the different art forms- Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi and folk. Nothing like learning it academically and formally from a Guru!

Can you tell something about your Kalakshetra days?

I thought I needed a professional degree in dance and I heard about Kalakshetra in
 Kerala. So I joined it in 1992 and within a few days, I realized that it is a temple and a divine place. I knew that I will become a big dancer one day soon after a few days in Kalakshetra. I learnt the positives and negatives in my performance and I got an opportunity to perform in various programmes. At the end of the degree, Kalakshetra not only made me a good dancer, but also a good artist. Not all dancers can become artists, but it taught me how to present art forms in a pleasing manner. I ‘am blessed to be a Kalakshetra student as it made me a good artist, good teacher, good performer and a good choreographer.

How were the days after Kalakshetra?

After my father’s death, I left Kalakshetra in 2005. I believe in individuality and my wings were strong. So I wanted to see the world without any restrictions. I wanted to stand on my own legs and be independent. I realized my responsibilities and I came out strong with confidence. But soon I came to know that it is not that easy as a lot of financial commitments were there and meeting them became very difficult. But I never lost confidence and I pursued what my heart said. I believed in my art and I know I’am a perfectionist. I couldn’t wear a mask before everyone and couldn’t fake myself. So I went for a surgery in 2007 and I became Lakshya from Rajesh. I wanted to be true to myself and to God and I didn’t want to hide my identity.

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