Dr. Nishita Rathod | March 2025 Magazine Editon #19

Honored with the Bharat Gaurav Ratna Shri Samman, Dr. Nishita Rathod holds a PhD in Performing Arts, stands as a distinguished member of the UNESCO International Dance Council, and has etched her name in the India Book of Records. Her journey, once an unexpected detour from athletics, evolved into an unstoppable pursuit of excellence, inspiring thousands along the way. Her journey into dance was anything but conventional. An athlete first, she found herself drawn to the rhythm of movement quite by chance. During a school vacation, her mother spotted a dance class banner near their home and suggested she give it a try. From running spikes to ballroom heels, the transition was unexpected, yet it awakened a passion that would redefine her life.

A pivotal moment came when a karate friend introduced her to Shiamak Davar’s academy, turning curiosity into an all-consuming love for dance. Though she excelled academically, earning degrees in Management Studies, Event Management, and Commerce, her true calling was undeniable. At just 19, she established NS Dance Academy—a leap of faith that has since transformed into a powerhouse of talent, mentoring over 200 students across 24 batches. "My dreams spin faster than my limits."

What began as a local venture has now achieved global recognition. Becoming a member of the UNESCO International Dance Council cemented her reputation, and her academy’s accreditation on an international scale speaks volumes. The India Book of Records acknowledged her groundbreaking achievement—a stunning 2,78,760 hula hoop spins in just 30 minutes. "If I’m going to do something, it has to be done in a bold, extraordinary way."

Challenges were plenty. From a home setup with six students to running multiple studios, every step required faith, resilience, and strategic risk-taking. The fear of investing all student fees into rent was real, but the vision of a professional studio overpowered hesitation. "I trusted the next chapter because I was the author of it!"

Today, one batch alone has 25 students, and NS Dance Academy continues to flourish. "Challenges will always be tough, but you are tougher. And remember, what people don’t see, God sees. He opens doors you never even knew existed."

Her biggest strength has always been her family, led by her mother, Manju Rathod, who encouraged her to choose passion over stability. "She was willing to have lesser luxuries, but never lesser happiness." Avinash stood as the strongest pillar while Rutvik, and Prathamesh have been the backbone of NS, while her siblings Aaryan, Kripa, and Drishti remain her steadfast supporters. “Seeing Ayanna grow with me for 10 years reminds me why I strive to be my best—because one day, she wants to be like me.” The NS family Riya, Srushti, Sourabh, Pranay, Jainam, and Aman "They have never treated NS as just a workplace—it’s their academy as much as it is mine."

Beyond dance, NS has left its mark in hula hooping, gymnastics, and stage performances, ensuring that every student not only masters their craft but gains the confidence to shine.

Opportunities to perform on grand stages, be listed in the Global Dance Directory, and set new records define NS's commitment to excellence. "The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is just that little extra. That’s exactly what we teach. That’s our USP."

Dr. Nishita Rathod’s philosophy in business is simple: mastery attracts opportunities. "When you have skills, you can never sleep hungry. Work and develop your skills, and you won’t have to find work—work will find you! Don’t wait for a seat at the table—build the damn table!" She spends nothing on promotion, relying solely on the quality of her work to bring students to her academy. "Do so good that people find you as the best option for their kid’s development. The goal isn’t to buy BRANDS. The goal is to BECOME ONE."

Her approach to success is relentless. "Chase your dreams relentlessly.

Never settle for less than you deserve. Your income is a reflection of your value, so keep growing, keep learning."

She wants to serve as proof that dreams are worth chasing, especially for future mothers who hesitate to step into their passions. "I am not lucky. I MAKE MY OWN LUCK!"

Through it all, her faith remains unwavering. Visiting Shrimant Dagdusheth Ganpati in Pune when she was at her lowest, she never returned to ask for anything—only to offer gratitude. "Always felt like being GOD'S FAVOURITE CHILD."

Her story is one of grit, vision, and an unshakable belief in oneself. From a girl hesitant to take her first dance class to a record-holding global icon, Dr. Nishita Rathod is redefining the boundaries of performing arts. "That about me—KAHANI MERI HE, KAMAL NAHI BEMISAAL LIKHUNGI!"