BENGALURU:
Annanya Karthik
, 16, was busy rehearsing for Peter Pan at the Bangalore School of Speech and Drama, HSR Layout, on Sunday. With the musical set to be staged on June 23-24, rehearsals are a daily affair and go on for 2-8 hours. Around 3pm, she got a break to check her ICSE results and in no time, the troupe broke into celebrations: Annanya had secured 499 out of 500 marks.
Annanya, a student of Vidyaniketan School, Hebbal, is one of the national toppers in ICSE exam. The Malleswaram girl is also a vocalist and is passionate about reading.
Annanya joined the drama school when she was in class 10 and attended classes every weekend. “It has helped in broadening my theatre horizons and enabled me to find myself as a person. I love theatre because not only does it give an opportunity to live in someone else’s story, it is also a chance to tell the world about many people. It invokes empathy and gives a place where you can truly be yourself,” she said, adding: “Theatre requires commitment and dedication and that is what has kept me going.”
In class 10, she continued with her western musical online class as well as her passion for sports. “I was always inclined to the performing arts. I sing. Even though pressure of boards can be frightening, it is very important to follow your passions too,” she said.
She plans to join International Baccalaureate, take up a combination of maths, economics and physics, and pursue graduation abroad. With an interest in space as well as finance and business, Annanya wants an economics/business double degree with theatre/film/space.
“Class 10 pressures can be daunting, but I suggest students follow their passion as it will help in their academics as well,” she said.
