INVC,
Delhi,
Each time when we hear the word Olympics, games and athletics come to our mind. But few of us will know that Olympics are also held for performing arts too. Known as world championship of performing arts (WCOPA) which is celebrating its seventeenth year, WCOPA is the only premier international talent competition of its kind held annually in “Hollywood,” Treasured bronze, silver and gold medals are awarded to world champions in dancing, singing, acting, modeling, instrumentals, and variety arts in different age categories, solos and groups. In addition, a total of over $130,000 USD in scholarships is presented by the famed Millennium Dance Complex in North Hollywood, California and the prestigious New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts School of Film and Television.
Well the good news here is that for the first time an artist from India has been selected to represent India at WCOPA this year. An actor by profession, PriyaGoud has been invited by the International screening committee for this prestigious 17th annual event to be held in Hollywood from 12th to 20st of July.
Basically a Rajasthani girl but born and brought up in Firozabad district of Uttar Pradesh, PriyaGoud comes from a conservative Rajput family whose family was initially reluctant to allow her to be an actress. But with determination and strong will she made her way and joined theatre at an early stage to brush up her inborn talent and landed up in Mumbai few years back to prove it to her peers and family.
‘The initial days were tough’ says Priya, ‘but I did not lose hope and stuck to theatre where I did some good plays like Romeo and Juliet, AdhayAdhure, CharuBalkrishnaDalvi and Kyakaregakaji to name a few.’ The talent still went unnoticed and Priya did some minor roles in Hindi Films like Hullabol, RaatGayiBaatGayi, Idiotbox, Bhindi bazaar bhojpuri film and also some television serials and commercials for survival. Apart from acting Priya is also a trained dancer.
But the unexpected finally happened when Priya’s application to represent team India was finally accepted and she will be competing at this world championship for talent and representing India which indeed is a rare privilege.
BY RAJU BOHRA, NEW DELHI
