Soni Chaurasia's leap from domestic violence to world record

Varanasi: Soni Chaurasia, the 30-year-old Kathak danseuse, who created a world record by dancing non-stop for 126 hours on Saturday, has gone down in the records books but her one feat remains still unnoticed that how did she fight the patriarchal society standing all alone.

Believe it or not but Soni was once kept captive by her in-laws. It was her grit, determination and resolve to break free from the stereotypes to reach dizzy heights of personal and social achievement.

The newztrack.com brings you the journey of Soni Chaurasia.

Kept captive by in-laws:

Soni got married to a Delhi based man in 2009, but her all dreams shattered just few days after the wedding.

She faced harassment and many other atrocities not just by her husband but also by her in-laws. Her mobile was taken by them and she was kept captive in a room for many days.

Ran away from home without even a penny:

Soni, ran away from her home when she failed to resist the atrocities from her husband and in-laws. She did not have even a penny when she left the home.

She travelled in train without ticket and reached her parents in Varanasi.

Supported by parents:

Even after facing acute financial crisis, her parents supported her through all odds and encouraged to realise her dreams.

Teaching:

Soni, soon after leaving her husband’s home got a job of dance teacher in Vidyadevi Jindal school in Haryana. She worked there for five years.

She came back to Varanasi and started practising for the world record with her coach Rajesh Dogra.

Dreams:

Soni aspires to be a choreographer in Bollywood and now she will be going on a world tour.

Childhood:

Soni was brought by her maternal grandparents and she studied at Harishchandra Balika Inter College. She pursued her graduation from the Arya Mahila Degree College.

Achievements:

She won her first gold medal for dancing on roller skates in 2010 and even got her name registered in the LIMCA book of world records.

She got fame from the Ganga Mahotsav where she performed for the first time.