Shining on the stage at 54
An inspiring story of Sheela P. K. (Khyaal Club Member)
“My name is Sheela P. K. and I am 54 years old. Many people also know me as Sheela Mani in the field of arts and culture. I was born and brought up in Mulagunnathukavu in Thrissur district, a place that is often called the cultural capital of Kerala. Growing up in such an environment naturally shaped my interest in art, music, and culture. I completed my Master’s degree and built a professional life alongside my creative interests. I worked at Calicut University and later at EMS Cooperative Hospital. Today, I work with Westland Emigration and Dias Academy. Alongside my career, my family has always been my strongest support.
As time passed and my responsibilities slowly settled, I began to listen more closely to myself. I found myself drawn more deeply towards artistic, cultural, and social activities. This phase of life gave me a new kind of clarity. I still had energy within me. I still had ideas waiting to be expressed. I still wanted to contribute. I chose to stay active, both in my work and in my creative life. Every day mattered to me. I did not want my days to feel empty. I wanted to wake up with purpose and go to bed with peace in my heart.
Like many people above fifty, I have seen how uncertainty and self-doubt slowly creep in. Sometimes loneliness also finds a place in the heart. Society often makes us feel that it is time to step back and remain silent. I faced these thoughts too. There were moments of hesitation and questions within me. But I chose not to give in. I stayed close to art, culture, and community work. These spaces held me gently. They gave me confidence and reminded me of my worth. They helped me believe in myself again whenever doubts tried to take over.
Today, my life is closely tied to creative and cultural work. I am active as an actor and singer, and I am also an All India Radio artist. I serve as an Executive Committee Member of the National Association of Malayalam Artists. I also hold responsibilities as the State Joint Secretary of the Women’s Wing and the Thrissur District Secretary. Along with this, I remain involved in many cultural and social organisations. My days are full and meaningful. There are rehearsals, meetings, cultural engagements, and moments of social service. There are also quiet conversations that touch the heart and stay with me long after the day ends. This rhythm gives my life balance and peace.
I came across 50 Above 50 on Facebook. Something about it caught my attention. I felt a sense of curiosity and hope. I remember calling the number mentioned and speaking to the Khyaal team. They explained everything to me with patience and warmth. That first conversation itself gave me confidence and comfort. I felt heard and encouraged. I missed the Palakkad audition, and I felt disappointed. For a moment, I wondered if I should stop there. But I did not give up. I decided to attend the next audition instead. That decision became a turning point for me. I participated in the Acting, Singing, and Storytelling categories of Khyaal’s 50 Above 50 Talent Hunt. I met encouraging members of the Khyaal team and wonderful fellow participants. Interacting with people from different states opened my heart in many ways. My patience was fruitful, and I was one, among the 10 finalists of the Acting category. When I reached Mumbai and stood among finalists from 28 states, it felt unreal. There was nervousness, excitement, and deep gratitude in my heart. Being shortlisted itself was an emotional moment for me. And, the moment came when my name was announced for the first position in the ‘Best Actor of the Year’ category from Thrissur! I remember I started jumping and then ran towards the stage with tears in my eyes! Being recognised for my acting filled my heart with gratitude and pride. The event was not just about winning. It was about being seen, heard, and valued at this stage of life.
Through this journey, I also came closer to the Khyaal app. It has given people over fifty their confidence back. It has brought purpose where there was doubt. It reminds us that ageing is not a limitation. It is a powerful phase where experience finds its voice. Khyaal gave me a sense of belonging and encouraged me to believe in my dreams once again.
If I were to give one message to my fellow senior citizens, it would be this. Please do not silence the dreams that still live inside you. Age does not take away talent. It deepens it.” - Sheela P. K. (Khyaal Club Member)