I am a second generation Keralite, a third culture kid, whose parents moved to the UAE to make their fortune. Although they loved this country, my parents always talked about the UAE as a temporary place – we were outsiders and could never fully belong here.
Yet, as someone who grew up here, I have always called this place my home. And part of feeling at home is being able to openly and freely practice my culture. This image shot by photographer Raju Alexis over a decade ago, is a picture of me practicing Mohiniyattam. The place looks like it could be the vast and verdant landscape of Kerala but it is surprisingly shot right here, in Dubai’s Satwa park!
As the country takes bold strides into its 50th year, this work pays tribute to the cultural mosaic this nation has become with over 200 nationalities who have made this place their home, people who mix freely yet retain their cultural and ethnic identities.
Home is not so much about where you come from, it is about where you feel a sense of belonging.
Here’s a major throwback! Check out my interview in Jan DSa‘s blog where I talk about this photoshoot with Raju Alexis in Satwa park back in October 2010. How time flies!
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