Delhi-based Malayali woman is kalaripayattu champion at 55

Thiruvananthapuram's Kudappanakunnu native Shailaja grew up listening to the fascinating stories of Kerala's courageous warrior princesses, like Unniyarcha, Thumbolarcha, and Mathileri Kanni, who were also exponents of the martial art Kalaripayattu. This made her dream of learning the art form since she was a little girl. However, her circumstances didn’t allow her learn Kalaripayattu then. Regardless, Shailaja nurtured this dream in her heart even when she took the train to Delhi for a job after completing her studies. 

Fulfilling a dream at 55 
Shailaja is 55 years old now and works as an accounts officer in the MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi). Moreover, she has finally fulfilled her dream at this 'tender' age. “Age is just a number. There is no age limit for pursuing your dreams,” says Shailaja, who lives in Kalkaji Extension Pocket 3. The daredevil lady defies the rules of society that instruct her to shove away her dreams as she has grown older. 

In 1991, Shailaja got the job at MCD through SSC. She wished to learn a martial art for self-protection as she lived alone in a distant place. Although Shailaja looked for Kalari trainers, there weren’t any available in Delhi 35 years ago. So, she learned karate instead. Shailaja trained for over four years before quitting due to familial responsibilities. Four years ago, Shailaja learned that Kalaripayattu classes were offered at the DMA building in RK Puram Sector 4. She took time out of her busy schedule by rescheduling her office hours and managing her household chores to enrol in the Kalari classes. Her husband, Radhakrishnan Nair, and children, Shivatmika and Vishnu Dutt, offer their wholehearted support, which Shailaja says is very important. 

Mental and physical fitness
Shailaja practises Kalaripayattu daily except for the three months when she had some health issues. She also won silver and bronze medals in the Delhi State Kalaripayattu competitions. PB Sumesh is Shailaja’s Kalari guru. Shailaja vows that practising Kalaripayattu has made her stronger both mentally and physically.