 Simhalan has trained in martial arts including Kalarippayattu, Silambam fencing and Marmam.She has also trained in Indian dance including Bharatanatyam, martial dance Chhau and Mohiniyattam.Since 1987, Simhalan has been part of most of the productions of the Indian Chandralekha (dancer) group (1988–1993) and Shobana Jeyasingh dance company (1993–2003) as a dancer and educational/workshop leader.