Shining teenage stars — Shivani Khandoo and Kavita Rambarran

Shivani who is from Sangre Grande has established herself as a singer/model/actress. Kavita who is from Arima Old Road is a lead dancer with the famed Kiss Natraj Dance Company. These two beautiful girls are now used to the night life as they travel to places like Penal, Cedros, Princes Town and San Fernando for performances on a regular basis.

“Most times the nights are long as performers wait to get on stage,” Shivani said, adding that the entire process of hairstyles, make-up, elaborate costuming and bright lights are a norm for them.

“As a performer one has to be disciplined at all times. Whether you are in a good mood or not when the light goes on you have to be ready with a bright smile to capture your audience,” Kavita said.

Shivani is the daughter of singer Ricky and Shamin Kandhoo. She has one brother Akshay Shivan Khandoo who is also a singer.

She studied at the SWAHA Hindu College for the past five years and is currently awaiting results for the CXC examination.

She describes her school as one of best colleges both academically and in its religious education.

Shivani first sang in temple at age 13, where she accompanied her parents in singing bhajans.

“This art form has helped me to develop a stronger religious background,” she told Sunday Newsday.

She noted that singing really helped her in expressing her feelings in song. She was inspired by listening to her father and by listening to the songs from India’s Kavita Krishnamurti and Lata Mangeshkar. She also draws inspiration from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

“I started to delve into the politics of the lands since her win at the polls,” she admits, adding that there is a lot to learn about the country.

The confident Shivani placed first runner-up twice in the NCIC Teen Queen (2008 and 2009) competition.

This experience, she says has motivated her as she gained the respect from her peers in school and also from fellow villagers.

Her goal in life is to be a certified accountant and to do whatever it takes to uplift East Indian culture.

She describes herself as a religious individual as she attends many temples throughout the country and she is a member of the Sant Nagar Hindu Temple and Tulsi Manas Mandir. In both temples she is heavily involved in the Ramleela and Divali activities.

She spoke proudly about Ramleela saying that she started acting at the age of six at the Sangre Grande Hindu School and she plays the lead role of the divine Sita who is the wife of the hero Lord Rama.

The last book she read, she says, was 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey.

“This book has inspired me to overcome challenges and the tough issues and life changing decisions I face as a teenager,” says Shivani.

In the opposite sex she looks for good personality, sound education, a sense of humour, a positive spiritual background, he must be vegetarian and also handsome.

Kavita Rambarran is the daughter of Jewan Rambarran and top choreographer Vidivartee Hart. She too has one brother, Kavir Rambaran.

Kavita attended Arima West Government Primary School during the years 1995-2002 and then proceeded to further her education at Asja Girls’ College, Tunapuna. She graduated with eight CXC passes in 2008. Currently she attends the School of Business and Computer Science where she is pursuing a diploma in Associates of Business Executives Business Information Systems.

Kavita’s dancing career started at the tender age of four-and-a-half years and she has been dancing ever since. As a resident dancer with the Kiss Natraj Dance Group she has developed various techniques in East Indian dance. From the age of five she studied at the Nritanjali Dance Theatre where she learned classical dance.

“I became an active dancer when my mother formed the junior group of Kiss Natraj,” says Kavita.

This group performed in various competitions including Mastana Bahar, the Best Village Competition and the NCIC Teen Talent Competition.

After many years on the dance floor Kavita became one of the leading members in the senior group.

She performed in Suriname for their Indian Arrival Day celebrations 2009 and in New York City for weddings and religious functions.

“This art has indeed boosted my confidence as an individual and as a performer,” Kavita stated, adding that she looks forward to entering a stage where there is an appreciative audience.

Like Shivani, Kavita says her art is a discipline as the exercise not only enhances her body in a healthy way but also brings peace of mind and has helped her to become a well rounded individual.

She admires TT’s Raymond Ramnarine not just for his beautiful voice but for his showmanship and his personality.

She praised the National Council for Indian Culture saying that it is one of the few established organisations that promotes and highlights each and every aspect of East Indian culture in TT. “This organisation has always ensured that our culture would remain prevalent in this country,” she said.

Her goal is to become an information technology expert and also to become one of the best professional dancers there is.

She like the way culture is progressing in the country through the various institutions such as NCIC, Mastana Bahar, Choti Champs, phagwa celebrations, and Divali celebrations. Kavita believes that the growth of Indian culture has a lot to do with the coming of seven East Indian radio stations within then last 16 years.

The last book she read was given to her by her mother, titled “Shiv Parvati” which is the love story between Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. “The moral of this story is that no matter what happens to an individual, family, love and devotion would always get him or her through the toughest of times,” she said.

She describe D’abadie as a growing village. “We have a lot of recreational and cultural activities which helps keep the youths involved constructively. Lots of elders try their utmost to influence us youngsters in a positive way here,” she stated.

In a mate she looks for someone who is understanding, forgiving, who is disciplined but still fun and makes her laugh, who accepts her just as she is and doesn’t hope for change but most of all someone who believes in god and respects her, and her friends and family. “Oh, and if they can dance it would be a plus,” she added smilingly.