Malappuram: When M P Athira won the Bharatanatyam event at the district school youth festival here, actress Manju Warrier would have felt contended. Manju, herself a dancer and ‘Kalathilakam’ at the school youth festival held years ago, had a major role in shaping Athira’s victory.
It was Manju’s kind gesture that helped Athira to restart her dancing lessons after a break. Athira has been under Manju’s care ever since she secured the ‘A’ grade at the state youth festival held in Kozhikode. She is among the five students Manju has adopted for dance training.
Manju’s act proved to be a blessing for Athira’s parents too, as they were finding it difficult to finance her dance classes and buy the accessories. Meanwhile, for Athira, it was the stepping stone to realize her dream of excelling in dance.
Athira has not disappointed Manju since then. The actress also built a house for Athira’s family.
A plus-two student at Angadipuram GMHSS, Athira has proved her worth in studies also. In Class X board exam, she had scored A–plus grade in all subjects.
Athira is the daughter of Palliyalil Bhaskaran of Pathaykkara Madom and Sreelatha.
Apart from Bharatanatyam, Athira is competing for the Kuchipudi event also at the youth festival.
Along with dance training, Athira received an opportunity to play the lead role in a short film named ‘The Survival’. Based on a work by writer E K Sheeba, the short film was produced by the Perinthalmanna Municipality. The film inspires children to overcome challenges and achieve great heights in life.
