MEET AMBICA

“MY ART FLOWS FROM MY ROOTS”

Ambica Sharma’s keen interest in performance poetry has led her to perform at multiple platforms in North America.

Ambica Sharma is a Montreal based performer, actor, dancer, poet, curator and a broadcaster. Her poems have been featured in the anthology film Canadian Hindi Poets Camp.

Her keen interest in performance poetry has led her to perform at multiple platforms in North America. She is the curator and director for the NexGen Poetry Festival, Montreal. She choreographs and performs Indian dance forms through her dance group.

As a broadcaster, she hosts a daily live show with Radio Humsafar and weekend shows with CKUT, McGill. She is continually exploring creative pursuits in areas quite different from her training in the field of Biosciences. An avid supporter of community involvement through arts for women and youth, she feels art can be used effectively to talk about issues not addressed otherwise – especially in a marginalized minority.

“As an artiste wandering on many forms, my art flows from my roots but also draws from the energy of spaces and people that surround me,” she says.

Name: Ambica Sharma. Ambica is another name for the Hindu goddess Durga. She embodies love, divine strength, power and creation. In Sanskrit, Ambic(k)a means “mother” or “compassionate”.

Currently: I’m reworking my dance theatre piece; and putting together my first book of poetry. I recently performed in Teesri Duniya Theatre’s Counter Offence, a wonderful play about racism and domestic violence.

Favourite colour: Yellow/ochre.

Favourite outfit: Sari.

Favourite Bollywood stars: Irrfan Khan. His eyes spoke louder than words and I loved his portrayal of characters. Also Kishore Kumar for the creative genius he was.

Favourite Hollywood stars: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon.

Favourite movies: Kabhi Kabhie for its poetic mood on screen and Padosan – the laugh riot with the inimitable Mehmood.

Favourite singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Geeta Dutt, Celine Dion, Kishore Kumar.

Favourite songs: Lag ja gale, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, Mama Mia.

Favourite TV shows:  Prison Break, Hum Log.

Favourite ice cream flavour: Kulfi falooda, khus.

Favourite cuisines: Mughlai, Indian-Chinese.

Favourite restaurants: Golden Dragon (Mumbai), Le Taj (Montreal).

Favourite sport: Cricket.

Favourite sportspersons: MS Dhoni, Roger Federer. 

Favourite books: The Power of Now, Shivani.

Favourite activities: Hiking, doing anything with a cup of tea.

I’m freaked out by: Toxic vibes.

I need: Tea, me-time, fresh air walks, giggles (in any order).

My role models: All the women who found their way against the odds.  

Tips to save the planet: Buy less, use lesser.

In a perfect world: Every plate would have a meal.

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