The stage lights come on slowly. Somewhere backstage, a young dancer bends down to tie his ghungroos, making sure every knot sits right. The bells make that familiar soft sound - the one dancers know means it’s almost time. Draped in a nauvari sari, eyes darkened with kohl, 19-year-old Shrey Panchal walks forward. No hesitation. Just focus.
And then the music starts.
