We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Neha Shetty a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Neha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
I would have definitely started my creative career sooner. Looking back, I realize that I shouldn’t have waited until the pandemic to fully invest in myself and take on content creation and dancing seriously. There’s this misconception that there’s a perfect time for everything, but in reality, you have to listen to your inner passion and start pursuing your dreams as early as possible.
I’m grateful for where I am today, but I can’t help but think about all the incredible opportunities and experiences I might have had if I had started earlier. One thing that held me back was the lack of representation in the creative space, especially for someone from a South Indian Desi background like mine along with our music and trends. I know how challenging it can be when you don’t see people who look like you succeeding in the field you’re interested in. That’s why I’m committed to being part of the change and encouraging young women from similar backgrounds to put themselves out there and follow their passions, whatever they may be.
Even though I began taking my craft seriously relatively recently, I never let the fact that I moved around multiple times as a kid stop me from doing what I love wherever I went. I always sought out like-minded people and groups where I could learn more and showcase my skills and talents. So, while I wish I had started earlier, I’m excited about the journey ahead because there’s so much more I want to achieve and create.
Neha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Of course! I’m thrilled to share a bit more about myself and my creative journey. I want to start off by saying how grateful I am to have this opportunity with CanvasRebel and I’m very thankful to my friends and family that have continued to support me. I have always had a deep passion for dance and fashion. My journey in the world of creativity and content creation began as a way to express myself and connect with others who shared similar interests. From classical to Bollywood dance, I’ve always been drawn to the world of dance and its ability to bring people together. Dance has been my escape and my way of forming lasting friendships, especially during my nomadic upbringing, which saw me moving multiple times across the northeastern United States before settling in Texas.
Navigating new environments and constantly adapting to change wasn’t always easy, but dance and athletic communities provided me with a sense of stability and belonging. Today, while working full-time, I continue to create content that revolves around dance and fashion whenever I can. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my family for their unwavering support in pursuing my chosen career and following my passions.
Today, alongside my full-time commitments, I remain dedicated to creating content that revolves around dance, fitness, and fashion whenever time allows. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my family for their unwavering support in allowing me to pursue both my chosen career and my artistic passions.
One of the aspects that sets me apart in my creative journey is my extensive experience in choreography. I’ve had the privilege of choreographing for a wide range of events, from local gatherings to large-scale events and even weddings. Dance teams have also benefited from my choreography expertise. I’m open to collaborating on various creative projects and am available to book for choreography services, modeling needs, and photoshoots.
My ultimate goal is to inspire others, particularly within the Indian community, to embrace their cultural heritage, follow their passions, and express themselves authentically, without fear of judgment or conforming to established norms.
Above all, my family holds a special place in my heart. Their unwavering support has been my rock, and my sister, in particular, is not only my best friend but also my favorite dance partner. Despite a significant age difference, our close bond has been instrumental in our mutual growth and support for one another.
You can find me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Absolutely, there is a clear and important mission driving my creative journey. I’ve observed a significant gap in the representation of South Asian and Indian music and culture in popular trends and platforms like TikTok. While I’m a big fan of cultural music like Afrobeats, I couldn’t help but notice that South Asian and Indian music and trends were not receiving the same level of recognition and support from outside our culture.
In fact, I encountered questions from viewers about whether it was appropriate for someone outside of our culture to participate in some viral trends or dances that I’ve created! This got me thinking deeply about the universal language of dance and music. I firmly believe that dance and music are forms of expression that transcend cultural boundaries. They should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their cultural background, and people should feel free to participate in and appreciate different styles of dance and music.
Moreover, I am also a passionate advocate for an active, fit lifestyle. I believe that maintaining physical health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and it’s something I actively support and promote in my community. My mission is to change the narrative and make South Asian music and culture just as popular and widely known as other cultural influences in the digital space. I want to see more people, both within and outside of our backgrounds and communities, actively participating in our trends, supporting our cultural expressions, and embracing a healthy and active lifestyle.
By doing so, I hope to foster a greater sense of inclusivity and appreciation for the richness of South Asian and Indian music, dance, and the benefits of an active lifestyle. Through my content, I aim to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and encourage a more diverse and inclusive representation of cultural influences and physical well-being in the creative world. I want to create a space where everyone feels welcome to engage with and celebrate the beauty of South Asian and Indian music, dance, and an active, fit lifestyle. It’s not just about promoting trends; it’s about fostering a sense of unity, shared enjoyment, and overall health through the universal languages of music, dance, and fitness.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the opportunity to inspire and connect with others on a deeply meaningful level. Through my journey in content creation, I’ve been fortunate to witness the impact of my work on individuals within and beyond my community.
Seeing someone, especially young women from similar backgrounds, find the courage to embrace their cultural heritage, pursue their passions, and express themselves authentically is incredibly rewarding. It’s about breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and fostering a sense of unity. When someone tells me that they’ve been inspired by my journey to explore their own creativity or pursue a healthier, active lifestyle, it fills me with a profound sense of purpose.
The ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life through the universal languages of music, dance, and fashion is truly fulfilling. It’s about creating a positive and inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to engage with and celebrate the beauty of different cultures, artistic expressions, and the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the opportunity to make a positive impact, inspire change, and contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant creative community that transcends boundaries and brings people together.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/@nehamoves
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nehamoves
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@neha.moves
Image Credits
Photo: John Abraham at @johnsphotofactory and @almastejani Makeup: @kavasmetics