Pune’s 88-Year-Old ‘Warrior Aaji’ Who Became a Social Media Sensation Overnight
Pune’s 88-Year-Old ‘Warrior Aaji’ Who Became a Social Media Sensation Overnight
With the spirit of a young warrior and the fire of a seasoned fighter, age is just a number for this incredible woman whose energy could rival that of the newest talents on the block. Graceful yet fierce, grounded yet unstoppable — her presence on the streets of Pune has become a symbol of resilience and inspiration.
Known fondly as “Warrior Aaji,” Shanta Balu Pawar, an 88-year-old master of lathi-kathi — a traditional Indian stick-fighting martial art — recently shot to fame after a video of her street performance went viral. What sets her apart isn’t just her agility, but the purpose behind her every move: she performs daily to earn money, which she uses to provide food, shelter, and education for 11 underprivileged children, many of whom are orphans living on the streets.
Recently, her story reached an even wider audience when she appeared on Farah Khan’s reality talent show, Aunty Kisko Bola. On the show, Shanta shared that while people often give her ₹5 or ₹10 during performances, she believes in earning with dignity and tells the children under her care: “We should never beg — we must do something meaningful to survive.”
Her powerful performance, humility, and message struck a chord across the country. Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh was among the many who amplified her story, personally offering support to her and her family. With help from the public, NGOs, and local authorities, her decades-long struggle has finally started receiving the recognition it deserves.
For Shanta, performing lathi-kathi isn’t just a livelihood — it’s a legacy. She began mastering the art when she was just eight years old and has even appeared in iconic Hindi films like Seeta Aur Geeta, Tridev, Raj Tilak, and Sherni (where she proudly posed for a photo with Sridevi). Despite her modest living conditions and a house in need of repair, her only focus is securing a better future for the children she supports.
Whether it’s swinging sticks with unmatched precision or standing firm in the face of hardship, Shanta Pawar continues to inspire millions, reminding us all that true warriors never fade — they rise, again and again.
