Today we’d like to introduce you to Neeru Sujith.
Hi Neeru, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When my son Sash first asked me why I looked so tired all the time, I laughed it off. Like many mothers, I believed that staying busy was just part of life. My days revolved around work, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of everyone else. Somewhere along the way, I had forgotten how to take care of myself.
I remember telling him one evening, “Life has become the same routine every single day. Work, home, responsibilities… and then repeat. There’s no time left to feel alive anymore.” I didn’t realize how deeply those words would stay with him.
Growing up in Punjab, Bhangra was always more than just dance for us. It was joy. It was celebration. It was the sound of dhol that brought entire communities together. Whenever there was a wedding, a festival, or even a good harvest, people forgot their worries and danced with their hearts wide open. Bhangra had a way of making people feel free.
Sash saw that spark in me whenever old Punjabi songs played in the house. Even after a long day, my feet would start tapping to the beat. He realized that people like me weren’t just tired physically — we were emotionally exhausted from routines that left no space for happiness or self-expression.
One day, he came to me with an idea. He said, “Why can’t we create a place where people can forget stress, move their bodies, laugh, and feel connected again?” At first, I thought it was just a dream. But for Sash, it became a mission.
That dream slowly turned into MitranDe Bhangra — not just a dance class, but a family. A place where people from all backgrounds could come together, dance freely, build confidence, and rediscover joy. The name itself reflects friendship, community, and togetherness.
Watching MitranDe Bhangra grow has been emotional for me. Every time I see students smiling, sweating, laughing, and celebrating themselves through dance, I remember that conversation we had a year ago. What started as a mother sharing her exhaustion became a movement that now helps so many people break free from the stress of everyday life.
Today, MitranDe Bhangra is not only about learning steps or performing on stage. It is about creating happiness, building confidence, staying active, and reminding people that life should also include moments of celebration. And for me, as a mother, there is no greater pride than knowing that one honest conversation inspired something that now brings energy and joy to so many others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it definitely was not a smooth road. One of the biggest struggles was convincing adults and parents to take just one hour for themselves each week. For many people, life revolves around responsibilities — work deadlines, house chores, taking kids to activities, cooking meals, and making sure everyone else is cared for. In the middle of all that, their own health and emotions are often pushed aside.
When we first started MitranDe Bhangra, many adults would say, “I don’t have time,” or “Maybe later.” It wasn’t because they didn’t want joy in their lives — they simply felt guilty taking time for themselves. We realized that before teaching dance, we first had to change mindsets.
Our target was always the people who were searching for something more than just a routine — people who wanted a social life outside of work and daily responsibilities. We wanted to create a space for newly graduated students trying to find connection in a new phase of life, professionals working away from home, moms and dads who wanted to learn with their kids without the pressure of long-term commitments, and even retired individuals who wanted to enjoy themselves without feeling shy dancing alongside younger generations.
Slowly, through conversations, community outreach, and sharing real emotions and experiences, people began to connect with the message. We spoke openly about stress, exhaustion, loneliness, and the importance of finding happiness outside of everyday routines. Many parents and working professionals started realizing that taking care of themselves was not selfish — it was necessary.
MitranDe Bhangra was never meant to be just another dance class. The goal was to build a community where everyone felt welcomed, respected, and comfortable being themselves. No matter the age, background, or experience level, everyone could come together through music, movement, and laughter.
Little by little, one person turned into two, then into a group, and eventually into a family-like community. Watching people from different generations dance side by side, cheer each other on, and share the same happiness became the most rewarding part of the journey. People walked into class carrying stress and exhaustion, but left smiling, energized, and emotionally lighter. That is when we realized MitranDe Bhangra had become much bigger than dance — it had become a place where people could finally breathe, connect, and feel alive again.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mitrande Bhangra Workshops?
MitranDe Bhangra is more than just a dance organization — it is a community built around culture, connection, fitness, and happiness. While we specialize in teaching authentic Punjabi Bhangra and folk dance, our true mission goes far beyond choreography. We created MitranDe Bhangra to give people a space where they can step away from the stress of everyday life, express themselves freely, and feel part of something positive and uplifting.
What makes us different is that we focus on people first. We are not only training performers or dancers; we are creating an environment where anyone can feel comfortable, regardless of age, experience, or background. Whether it is a college student trying to make new friends, a working professional looking for a healthy outlet, parents wanting quality time with their kids, or retired individuals looking to stay active and social — everyone is welcomed like family.
We are especially known for creating high-energy classes that combine culture, cardio, and confidence. Bhangra naturally brings energy and excitement, but we also emphasize emotional well-being, community bonding, and self-expression. Many of our students join for dance but continue because of the friendships, support system, and positive atmosphere they experience.
One thing we are most proud of brand-wise is the sense of belonging we have created. Seeing people from different generations and backgrounds dance together, support one another, and genuinely enjoy themselves is what truly defines MitranDe Bhangra. We have built a community where people feel respected, encouraged, and celebrated for simply showing up as themselves.
We also take pride in making Bhangra accessible to everyone without pressure or intimidation. Our classes are designed to be welcoming and flexible, especially for adults and families who may not be looking for long-term commitments but still want to stay active, connected, and involved in culture.
At the heart of MitranDe Bhangra is one simple idea: life should not only be about responsibilities and routines. People deserve joy, movement, connection, and moments that make them feel alive. That is the energy we strive to bring into every class, workshop, performance, and community event we create.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with, collaborate with, and support MitranDe Bhangra in several meaningful ways, depending on how they want to get involved.
The most direct way is by joining our classes and becoming part of the community. Every new member helps strengthen the energy and diversity of the group — whether they are beginners, returning dancers, students, working professionals, or families. The more people participate, the more we are able to grow a space that feels inclusive and alive.
We also love collaborating with schools, community centers, cultural organizations, and event hosts. This includes workshops, cultural performances, corporate wellness sessions, and special events like weddings or festivals. These collaborations help us bring Bhangra beyond the studio and into spaces where people can experience its energy firsthand.
Support also comes through word of mouth and community sharing. When people invite friends, family, or coworkers, they help us reach individuals who may genuinely need a break from routine but would not have found us otherwise.
We are also open to partnerships with wellness initiatives, youth programs, and organizations that focus on mental health, fitness, and community building. Since MitranDe Bhangra is rooted in both physical activity and emotional well-being, these collaborations align naturally with our mission.
At its core, supporting us means believing in what we stand for — creating a space where people of all ages can move, connect, and feel a sense of belonging through dance and culture.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.MITRANDE.COM
- Instagram: @MITRANDEBHANGRA
- Facebook: @MITRANDEBHANGRA
