(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Khan who believes that art and religion are two separate entities has been into Kuchipudi for the past 15 years and it breathes life into him.Art in any form be it music painting or classical dance defies all definitions of language religion caste or community. How else does one explain the rise of Haleem Khan a practising Muslim in the Indian classical dance form of Kuchipudi!
A 30-something from Ongole in the coastal district of Prakasam in Andhra Pradesh Khan who believes that art and religion are two separate entities has been into Kuchipudi for the past 15 years and it breathes life into him.
“For me it is a passion the very essence of my life and mind you it did not come without cost. There were several hurdles — from family community and friends but I realised that to achieve something there had to be sacrifices” he told Khaleej Times in an interview after a whirlwind 50-day six-state tour of the US where he staged 10 performances for various organisations including the American Telugu Association (ATA) besides conducting 20-odd workshops on the intricacies of Kuchipudi. So how did the ‘unlikely’ journey begin “I was a listless kid like any other during my school days till a friend told me when I was in my first year of Intermediate that I could learn classical dance from a lady who was teaching others. She wouldn’t take me in because I was a full blown adult. But I was relentless in my pursuit and she finally gave in but it did not last long. Later I was introduced to K V Subrahmanyam Garu in Guntur who became my guru” the HR consultant-turned-full time dancer recalled.
Khan is candid in admitting that he faced more downs than ups in the form of resistance including from his parents and community. “I did not tell my parents that I was learning Kuchipudi since it would not have gone down well with them. In fact they were totally unaware of my passion for seven years when I even changed my name to ‘Hari’ while giving performances” he said adding that he has even given dance performances in temples during festivals.
“I finally realised that I couldn’t play hide-and-seek with my parents for long and sent some media persons to my house. My parents however denied that I was into Kuchipudi. I then decided to call them up and reveal the truth and tell them about my achievements. They were surprised but they continued to persuade me to give up dancing” Khan who has performed in Malaysia Singapore and Pakistan said.
‘My passion for the classical dance art form would not allow me to give it up” says Khan who describes himself as a faithful and a person who offers prayer five times. He has not done anything wrong or harmed or hurt anyone with his love for Kuchipudi.
“I believe in Islam” says Khan who has over 800 solo and group performances under his belt.
Khan who has won several national awards has also choreographed several shows including Yaad-e-Maazee (dances choreographed to the poetry of Abul Hasan Tana Shah Mohd Quli Qutb Shah with ghazals and shairis presentwed in a novel way) Rhyme and Rhythm (English poetry blending with Indian dance with works of English poets like Keats Rossetti and Indian poets like Rabindranath Tagore and Sarojini Naidu) and mlange of dances (an experimental dance ballet merging Western classical dance with Kuchipudi which was supported by the Alliance Francaise of Hyderabad and the French Embassy in India). For more news from Khaleej Times follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes and on Twitter at khaleejtimes Follow khaleejtimes ->
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