Nearly a month after 85-year-old ‘warrior aaji' Shanta Balu Pawar went viral on social media, the octogenarian is now ready to teach martial arts and self-defence to children in the city of Pune. Actor Sonu Sood helped the social media sensation find a place for conducting the classes. With the help from the actor, Pawar, who has been making a living from juggling sticks on roads, has now found an open premise at a city institute, where she will train as many as 30 students (first set of enrollment) and teach them the skill of lathi-kathi for free.
The feisty grandmother was approached by Sood a month ago and he offered help. Her soon-to-be training centre on the premises of Savali Foundation was inaugurated on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi on Saturday.
What You Should Know
- Warrior Aaji maa is now a self-defence teacher to children in Pune.
- After her video went viral on social media, the 85-year-old found a place for conducting the classes. Sonu Sood helped.
- Bollywood actors like Riteish Deshmukh, Randeep Hooda and Sood have had praised the elderly performer for her talent.
Also Read: Grandma Celebrates 93rd Birthday By Dancing To "Aankh Maare", Video Goes Viral
Sonu Sood sets up a training school for viral Dadi
The Dabangg star had asked about Pawar on Twitter. He wrote: “Wanna open a small training school with her where she can train women of our country some self-defense techniques."
Now the actor has now fulfilled his promise, as per a report by the Republic World. Confirming the same, Pawar told TOI, “Tyanni amhala hi prashala suru karun dili (Sonu Sood helped us start this training school). We are thankful for it. Till the time it is physically possible for me to do so, I will teach students my skills. I am happy to pass my knowledge to youngsters and am willing to do so till my last breath."
On asking Sood if he is planning anything more to help the martial arts expert, he replied, "There are a few more things in the pipeline. Something bigger and better, and hopefully we will be able to do those soon. I would also want to travel to Pune and meet Shanta ajji whenever it is possible for me to do so. She is an inspiring woman.”
Warrior Aajj’s video went viral on social media
The widely circulated video was first spotted by Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh who shared the video and wrote, “Warrior Aaaji Maa...Can someone please get me the contact details of her...”
Also Read: When old is gold: 100-year-old Mann Kaur wins at the Americas Masters Games in Vancouver
As per reports, Pawar's son lost his job due to the lockdown and the elderly woman is the sole breadwinner for their family. She had told ANI, “I am doing it since I was 8. My father taught me to work hard. People mostly remain indoors due to COVID-19, so I clang utensils as well to alert them when I perform.”
“By God’s grace, I am able to perform at this age and sustain my livelihood. My grandchildren are pursuing their studies and we are happy,” she had added.
Feature Image Credit: Dainik Bhaskar
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