Meeting Swati Ji felt destined. While searching for talented folk artists across Maharashtra, Yogesh Supekar noticed her during one of her performances and introduced her to us. In the first conversation with her, she came across as a genuine and sincere artist, deeply dedicated to Lavani and committed to preserving its authenticity. But her journey to becoming a renowned Lavani dancer wasn’t easy.
Swati Ji’s story began amid challenging circumstances. Due to her family’s critical financial situation, she had to drop out of school after the 5th grade. To support her mother, she worked in various jobs, from helping at a tea stall to working as a maid and caretaker. Due to these hardships, her dream of joining the police force remained unfulfilled.
Becoming a Lavani dancer wasn’t something she had ever imagined. Her family didn’t have a background in performing arts, but her grandmother often took her to local gatherings. At the age of 15, during one such gathering, Swati saw a Lavani performance for the first time. She was captivated. The energy, the expressions, and the rhythm left a lasting impression, and she began teaching herself Lavani. Her family, however, wasn’t supportive initially. They dismissed her efforts, and some outright opposed her newfound passion. But her grandmother stood by her side, encouraging her to pursue Lavani despite the resistance. With her grandmother’s unwavering support, Swati started practicing earnestly, and there was no turning back.
Swati recalls her first performance vividly. It was during Ganesh Chaturthi when she participated as a background dancer. This small opportunity became the stepping stone for her journey. Determined to succeed, she learned the basics of Lavani from Ashish Desai Ji and later honed her skills through self-practice. Over time, she began choreographing her performances and taking center stage as a lead dancer.
Over the years, Swati’s dedication has taken her across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, performing on various stages. Her expressions and grace, often referred to as her “adakari,” have won her widespread acclaim and several state awards. Despite her success, Swati remains deeply rooted in Lavani’s traditional values. She insists on performing in the Nauvari saree, a 9-yard Maharashtrian-styled saree, staying true to the dance’s original aesthetics and ethos. For her, Lavani is not just a performance; it’s a way of storytelling, a vessel of culture, and a medium to connect with people on an emotional level.
However, Swati’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. She is deeply concerned about the way Lavani is often portrayed today. In some performances, it has been reduced to mere “item songs,” with exaggerated expressions and inappropriate costumes that distort its essence. “Lavani carries pure emotions and is meant to be civilized,” she says with conviction.
Navigating the commercial pressures of show organizers, who often prioritize glamour over authenticity, has been tough for her. Yet Swati remains firm in her mission to uphold Lavani’s integrity. She draws inspiration from the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj, who respected and promoted the arts and strives to keep Lavani as dignified as it was in his time.
Swati’s dedication to Lavani extends beyond her performances. She has formed a group of 20 artists who together showcase the rich diversity of Maharashtra’s folk art. Despite facing financial challenges in formally registering her group, she continues to mentor young artists, ensuring that the traditions of Lavani are passed down to the next generation. She believes that involving the youth is the only way to preserve this beautiful art form.
Her dream is to perform abroad, showcasing Lavani on international platforms and introducing global audiences to its beauty. She also aspires to perform in front of her idols, Varsha Usgaonkar and Ashok Saraf, whose work has deeply inspired her. However, Swati acknowledges that her journey is far from over. Finding consistent opportunities remains a challenge, especially with the lack of effective advertisement mediums in recent years. The Covid-19 pandemic made things worse, bringing live performances to a halt. But her spirit remains unbroken, and she continues to persevere, driven by her passion for Lavani.
Swati’s connection to Lavani is deeply personal. She believes that folk art forms like Lavani hold stories, emotions, and values that are integral to our cultural identity. For her, Lavani is not just about dance—it’s about carrying forward a tradition that teaches moral values and preserves the essence of community.
Her story is one of dedication and the desire to keep a centuries-old art form alive. Swati’s journey reminds us of the importance of cultural preservation and the role each of us can play in keeping our traditions alive. Her unwavering commitment to Lavani, despite the challenges, is a source of inspiration for anyone striving to follow their passion.
In a world where modern life often overshadows tradition, Swati Ji’s story shines as an inspiration for folk arts. Her true dedication towards Lavani ensures that it will remain a source of pride for future generations.
