When Reena Shah was requested to explain herself, she used the adjectives ‘passionate’, ‘hardworking’, ‘decided’, ‘daring’ and ‘fearless’. He is all this and way more.
India’s first feminine polo participant, she launched into this journey on the age of 40, difficult stereotypes about age. But it was footwear designing that he fell in love with first. In between, Shah did many different notable jobs corresponding to leaping off a aircraft, happening harmful treks, doing somewhat automobile racing, mountaineering and extra.
But, as his adventure-loving soul needed extra, he additionally realized to play the drums and established himself as a DJ.
Recently in unique dialog with indianexpress.comRinaldi Polo, the proprietor of the polo group, spoke about her life, her struggles, feeling overwhelmed whereas attaining many issues in life and the ladies of the nation working arduous.
Part:
You are the primary feminine polo participant from India, who turned skilled on the age of 40. You have damaged stereotypes about age. how do you’re feeling
This is the toughest job I’ve ever accomplished in my life. I need to consider that I’ve damaged stereotypes and I’m very happy with myself that I’ve reached the place I’m right this moment. I’ve my very own polo group, and I’ve three professionals on my group. But, I do not get skilled charges to play, although I’m taking part in at an expert degree. I’m a mentor and play with my group. Most importantly, I’m so grateful that polo got here into my life and adjusted it eternally. Hope I can encourage youth and be an instance that age is only a barrier and keenness evokes you all the time.
When did you fall in love with the game and why did you’re taking it up professionally?
I’ve all the time been into sports activities and earlier than polo, I used to play tennis, squash and was additionally a swimmer. My first entry into the game was after I went to Mumbai to observe a polo match and fell in love. That’s after I instantly knew that I needed to play.
While I had made up my thoughts, the actual fact stays that nobody in my household had beforehand ridden or come into contact with horses typically. It was one thing I used to be enthusiastic about, irrespective of how overseas it was to me. I bought attracted in direction of it as a result of I like journey and hard video games.
After that, I rode horses for under a yr to strengthen my using and was satisfied that that is what I needed to do in addition to encourage the youth of my nation.
Shah says that she as soon as went to a polo match in Mumbai and fell in love. (Photo: PR Handout)
What was your loved ones’s response while you first informed them about your resolution?
The issues I’ve accomplished are usually not preferrred for most ladies. So initially my mother and father weren’t probably the most supportive, however as soon as they noticed my dedication and arduous work, they supported me in each method.
You began out as a footwear designer and constructed up fairly a significant consumer base. Tell us about your ardour.
My old flame was designing footwear and I used to be India’s first shoe designer after I was solely 23 years previous. I needed to excel in my enterprise, and I devoted 15 years to creating it tremendous profitable. I’ve designed for a lot of celebrities in Bollywood and Hollywood, corresponding to Natalie Portman, Naomi Campbell, Shilpa Shetty, and extra. I additionally designed and made footwear for about 5,000 brides at a time. It gave me the braveness to be extraordinary and taught me that nothing is unimaginable in case you are prepared to place within the ardour and arduous work.
You have additionally established your self as an digital drummer and a DJ…
I consider that one ought to study as a lot as he’s given in life. Growing up, I all the time needed to be an athlete or a musician. After 15 years of dedication in direction of my work and incomes cash, I took a two-year sabbatical to pursue my two passions. I knew I used to be beginning late however I used to be not going to cease. In 2018, I began studying drums, after which in 2019, I went to the DJ School in Amsterdam. From there, there was no going again as I’ve accomplished many gigs and received tenth finest DJ in India. I’ve rather a lot to realize on the planet of music and I’m engaged on that proper now.
Has it been a problem so that you can defy social norms and expectations and comply with your coronary heart?
It has all the time been totally different, as a result of society sees you in a different way. What I did was male dominated or by no means did. Lots of people let me down and by no means thought I might do it, however I knew I could not allow them to outline who I used to be.
Has there ever been a second in your life while you felt overwhelmed?
Absolutely! many occasions. But, I consider that these items can solely hinder your aim. I’ve realized to maneuver on and transfer on.
What are you presently engaged on?
I’m engaged on my music in Goa, and I’ll quickly launch my mental property in music, which shall be an occasion right here. So in the intervening time I’m engaged on that.
How a lot do you worth health – each thoughts and physique?
Very necessary, as a result of with out it I’d not have the ability to do what I do right this moment. To obtain issues in life each thoughts and physique must be in optimum situation.
How have the pandemic and lockdown experiences been for you? What has saved you busy in the previous few months?
The pandemic has been sensible, and I’ve realized rather a lot. It has made me a calmer and extra affected person individual. Also I learn MindValley Lifebook who modified my life. The method I’m, I all the time attempt to take advantage of the scenario.
What is your message to lakhs of ladies and women of the nation on getting the braveness to do one thing exceptional in life?
The finest recommendation my mother and father have given me is: There isn’t any substitute for arduous work and dedication.
Something that you’re significantly enthusiastic about proper now?
I’m very excited to launch my music IP in Goa, and hope I could make some historical past on the planet of music as nicely. fingers crossed!
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
