Khushi Choudhary, former student of The Junoon Gurukul writes her STUDENT DIARY, straight from the heart, which includes memories of her time with us and how these have shaped her.
Junoon is so much more than just passion—it’s a whirlwind of craziness yet grounded in responsibility. It’s the fire that makes me restless, pushing me to chase dreams with unyielding determination. For me, Junoon Gurukul has always been that fearless leap into the unknown—driven by heart, guided by soul.
I joined Junoon carrying six years of Bharatnatyam practice—a piece of my heart I brought with me when I moved from Bombay to Pune for school. At first, I saw it as a place to refine my skills and test my consistency. But with each class, I realized Junoon was far more than just dance. Before Junoon, dance was simply steps—a practical skill I enjoyed but never truly connected with. Over two years, I discovered hundreds of new things, but more importantly, dance found a home in my heart. What once was a hobby became a form of worship—a soulful devotion that went far beyond the movements.
I didn’t just perform the moves—I felt them. I immersed myself in the rich history behind each step, wrote stories inspired by them, and painted my emotions through colors of peace and meditation. Junoon helped me see dance not just as an art form but as a language—one that speaks through rhythm, expression, and stillness.
But Junoon was more than the dance itself—it was the feeling before it. The electric energy before each performance was a whole new experience of its own. All of us, the Junoon girls would gather in a tight circle, placing our right hands one over the other at the center. The warmth of those hands fused us together. At that moment, we were one. We held on tightly, our hearts pounding in unison. And then, with all the fire in our souls, we screamed, “JUNOON!” at the top of our lungs, thrusting our hands high into the air. That moment sent shivers down my spine every single time. It was raw. It was powerful. It was the spark that made our souls ready—ready to burn the stage with our bursting energy, with passion that poured from every move.
Junoon wasn’t all discipline and devotion—it was chaos and laughter, too. It was the sound of feet clashing with uncontrollable giggles during missteps. It was the moment when we collapsed onto the floor after an intense routine, breathless from both the moves and the madness.
Junoon didn’t just shape my art—it shaped my lifestyle. It taught me to care for my body and mind alike—through mindful exercises, nutritious food, and proper rest. Listening to different ragas broadened my musical taste, carrying me from the soulful strains of classical melodies to the pulse of modern beats. After long, hectic school days and draining basketball practices, Junoon became my escape—a place where meditation, music, and graceful ballet moves offered me peace and solace.
Yet, Junoon was never just about finding calm—it was also about building grit. The physically demanding sessions after school tested my endurance and strengthened my dedication. Through sweat and sore muscles, I learned the value of discipline—the importance of creating a schedule and sticking to it. Junoon helped me stay focused on my academics without letting go of the things I love. It gave me the confidence to stand tall on stage in front of large audiences and the courage to embrace both my strengths and my flaws.
Junoon made me a better version of myself—more resilient, expressive, and grounded. It taught me to stay connected to my roots while growing in my art, shaping me into a more confident, creative, and fearless individual. Junoon was a whole new experience.
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