Rising Again at 64: A Story of Passion Defeating Pain
An inspiring story of Neelam Bhatia (Khyaal Club Member)
“My name is Neelam Bhatia. I am 64 years old. I was born in Panchkula, near Chandigarh. I completed my graduation in Medical Science from Sri Guru Gobind Singh College in Chandigarh. Soon after, I got married at the age of twenty. My husband and I started a small garment business together. My husband handled the outside work, and I managed the shop. Life was full, but it was not easy. Between all this, I was blessed with three beautiful children.
Then, at the age of thirty-three, everything changed. I met with a terrible accident. My shoulder and knee were badly fractured, and I was left bedridden for six months. Those were the hardest days of my life. I could not even sit up or move. Even my children were very small then. My parents and in-laws stood by me through it all. I still remember my mother bathing me, my sisters-in-law changing my clothes, and my father trying to bring hope into my heart. My father was a specialist in acupressure. He helped my heal. It took months, but I was persistent. Although I was limping, I could walk again.
Dance has been my first love. I was always fond of Punjabi folk dance. During college in 1981, I was crowned ‘Best Punjabi Folk Dance Giddha’ at the Inter-College competition of Punjab University. After my accident, I thought I would never dance again. That thought broke my heart. But the desire never left me. Deep inside, I still dreamt of dancing again one day. In 2018, I had a knee transplant. I started walking properly again after many years. Then in 2022, I had a shoulder transplant. But my shoulder was still weak, with almost no muscles left. Most of them had become inactive over the years. Only a single bicep muscle worked. The doctors told me I would have to manage somehow. But I did not give up. I started creating my own exercises at home. I tied both hands together with a small cloth and used one hand to help lift the other. I also used a rod to move my arms and build strength in my muscles, and rebuild my shoulder slowly. Every day, I used to do this with full power. It was painful, but I kept going. Step by step, my muscles grew stronger, and my arm started moving again. Now, I can move my hand for about sixty percent. This was a miracle for me!!
Finally, I returned to dance and felt alive again. I joined a dance academy to learn Kathak but later returned to Punjabi folk - it just felt like home. My daughter-in-law has been my biggest support. She always says, “You can do it, Mummy. You have the strength.” During the lockdown, she encouraged me to post my dance and fitness videos online. We made videos together. I wanted to spread positivity. People started following my journey, and my page grew beautifully. It made me so happy to see people getting inspired by my story.
This year, I was invited to take part in ‘Mrs. Senior Pageant’ in Mumbai, organised by Peach Events. It was my first big stage performance. I gave my best. Although I did not win the pageant, I won the title of ‘Ms. Popular’. I felt I had given my best, and deep down I knew, I deserved more. But instead of letting that feeling pull me down, it gave me strength. I told myself that maybe life was testing how much I truly wanted this. I realised that I did not have to stop at one try. My daughter-in-law cheered me on and helped spread the word about my achievement on social media. Because of her efforts, the local press began noticing my journey. Their recognition and the support of my family made me even more determined to keep going. Later, I took part in another pageant. I gave it my all and poured my heart into the event.
People also started noticing me. They would say kind words about my performance and how confidently I carried myself. Their small words of encouragement meant a lot to me. Then came the moment I will never forget - I was crowned Mrs. India Elite 2025!! When my name was announced, I could hardly believe it. I stood there, numb. I was thinking of all the years of pain, struggle, and patience that had brought me to that moment. Life finally smiled back at me. Today at 64, I feel young and enthusiastic! Each day, I look forward to achieving more.
Recently, I found out about Khyaal 50 Above 50, India’s Biggest Senior Talent Hunt. I was so happy to see a platform that celebrates seniors. I registered for the dance category and I am really enthusiastic about it. Through it, I was introduced to Khyaal. Then I downloaded the Khyaal App and immediately registered for the dance and Zumba sessions. It feels wonderful to be part of a community where seniors share their stories, talents, and dreams. Khyaal gives me a space to express myself, to keep learning, and to stay connected with people who believe in living fully.
To all my fellow seniors, I just want to say one thing: Do not ever think that life ends after retirement. We are not retired- we are re-tyred. We have the chance to move again, to live again, to do what we love. Every new day is a gift.“ - Neelam Bhatia (Khyaal Club Member)