This 85-year-old woman in western India's Maharashtra performs traditional martial arts in the street to make a living.

Footage from January 3 shows Shantabai Pawar performing the Bengali martial art Lathi-Kathi.

Pawar - who resides in the city of Pune - wields the sticks and performs with skill and vigour.

Learning the skills nearly 70 years ago when she was eight years old, she is able to earn a living with her performances.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, money has been scarce and she performs all over her city to raise fund for her family, which include numerous orphans.

She has dedicated a lot of her life to safeguarding and building livelihoods for various girls who she has raised.

Despite the lockdown, she still ventures outside and believes God will keep her safe and protect her from the virus.

An 85-year-old identified as Shantabai Pawar performs "Lathi-Kathi" on the streets to earn a livelihood in western India's Maharashtra. Shantabai resides in the city of Pune with her family and the orphans she has taken care of during her lifetime.

Shantabai wields sticks with perfection and displays her skills in the Indian martial art form for livelihood. She learned this art form when she was just eight and has been continuing to perform ever since. Her art form is linked to the Dombari community, which is a nomadic tribe from the state.

Shantabai takes a warrior-like resemblance and effortlessly brandishes the stick in her hand. Inspired by her troubles, she works every day in various parts of the city to solve her family's financial problems.

She has also committed her life to provide safety and care to orphan girls and has built a livelihood for them. Shantabai provides love to the less-fortunate and considers these children as her own, and strives to build a better life for everyone in her family.

She continues to practice with her sticks every day to honour her father as he was the one who trained her. He also taught her to work hard for herself which inspires her to leave home to perform.

Many have advised her to stay indoors during Covid-19, yet she ventures out each time. She believes that God will keep her safe from any form of ailment. She has received help from society and is thankful for all the help and warmth she has gained.