Shakti Mohan Challenges Societal Expectations on Marriage and Motherhood
Celebrated choreographer and dancer Shakti Mohan has candidly addressed persistent questions about her personal life, firmly stating that she feels complete and fulfilled without conforming to traditional societal expectations regarding marriage and motherhood. In a revealing interview, the 40-year-old artist emphasized her contentment with her current path.
"If I'm Happy, What's the Problem?"
Speaking with interviewer Siddharth Kannan, Shakti Mohan directly confronted the constant inquiries about when she plans to "settle down." She revealed that even her parents frequently question her about finding a partner, with her mother suggesting she "make a boyfriend at least." However, Shakti remains unwavering in her perspective.
"I am really having fun with my work and running my studio. I don't feel that there is something missing," she asserted. "This is society's thinking that you need to have someone in your life. If I am happy this way then what is the problem? If I get somebody good then I'm not saying no, but when no one is there, why should I push myself to look in that direction?"
No Maternal Instincts, But a Devoted Aunt
Shakti Mohan confirmed she is currently single and shared a significant personal revelation about motherhood. "I don't have maternal instincts," she stated plainly. "I am a great aunt and I am the number one person for my nephew, but I still don't have maternal instinct. I don't want to have children for myself."
This declaration challenges conventional expectations that women naturally desire children, highlighting instead her fulfillment through other relationships and her professional accomplishments.
Past Relationship Trauma and Firm Boundaries
The dancer opened up about a painful past relationship that profoundly impacted her outlook. She revealed she was cheated on and immediately ended the three-year relationship, despite her mother's advice to forgive and move past the betrayal.
"My mother told me that he is a nice boy, we had three years of relationship, and that I should let it go. She told me boys are like this. You accept it," Shakti recalled. "But I told her that I will not accept this in my life. If boys are like this, I don't want boys in my life."
She described catching her partner cheating, his subsequent denial despite confrontation, and his later attempts at reconciliation that she firmly rejected. "My mother saw me crying for months. I didn't know the concept of cheating. If someone cheats on you, you can never forget that and then you doubt everyone," she added, explaining how the experience shaped her cautious approach to relationships.
Contentment Beyond Conventional Milestones
Throughout the interview, Shakti Mohan consistently emphasized that her happiness and fulfillment come from her career, her dance studio, and her personal growth rather than from checking off societal boxes. Her stance represents a growing voice of women who define success and contentment on their own terms, independent of marital status or motherhood.
Her perspective challenges deep-seated cultural norms while advocating for individual choice and personal happiness as valid measures of a life well-lived.
