Incorporating and representing the twin concept of Shiva and Shakti, Nilesh Singha and Mubina Barve have captured audiences both in India and abroad with their powerful performances in the Bharata Natyam style portraying thematic stories from Hindu mythology. Acknowledged among the leading couple dancers of Mumbai, Nilesh and Mubina have also established the Shivoham Institute of Performing Arts, credited for training aspirants, some of whom have become professional too. In an exclusive interview with VIJAY SHANKER, the duo reveals their varied experiences as performers and teachers for more than two decades.
Since childhood I have been fascinated to dance, dance has come naturally to me, hence I was enrolled in a dance class at a tender age. Initially my father was not happy about my dancing but when I started getting laurels for my performances, it is then that he realized my passion for dance, ”says Nilesh Singha of the Nilesh Singh-Mubina duo of classical dancers.
“Dance is above me and is only the medium to reach out to the supreme through classical dance, which is the expression of the soul; it is soul that dances and not me. Moreover the quality of the dance is more important and not the gender of the dancer”.
“My mentor Chayaji advised me to learn nattuvangam from Guru Padmini Radhakrishnan and that’s how I met her and you will be surprised to know that Mubina and I are the only dancers whom Padmini akka has taught us nattuvangam. Besides being a wonderful person, Padminiji is an amazing vocalist with vast knowledge of classical music; she has taught as to how to choreograph and which ragam will suit the theme and how to present it. My experience with her is a lifetime one”.
“Mubina and myself have been professional dancers for more than twenty years and we complement each other very well but we are not linked in any way. I must state that she deserves an award for tolerating my tantrums, as I get disturbed when things do not move in a disciplined manner. While Mubina presents grace and elegance, I represent vibrancy and power”.
It’s now time for Mubina Barve to chip in. “After my arangetram in 2001, I was invited to perform in UK for a fund raising programme for unemployed Asians. The programme was organised by Noon Foundation. In fact my uncle who was a Lord had witnessed my debut performance, and was quite impressed and hence invited me to perform. I was quite thrilled about the invitation and realized that my soul lies in dance and since then there has been no looking back. “I am fortunate to be married to Shailendra Barve, who is wonderful musician and composer too. We have already started using his music in our dance productions and are also planning to have an exclusive programme with his musical composition. What disturbs me the most is the fictitious and artificial nature of people.
I like to interact with people who are transparent and clear about their thought and action”
“While performing takes me on an entirely different level, teaching gives me rare satisfaction, especially when I see my students doing well that gives a rare pleasure and joy which can’t be described. These days children are not prepared to work hard, they want to make things happen fast like instant coffee. Classical dance is solid art, and hence there are no shortcuts, but children should not be scared to learn classical dance. Ultimately when you work for it, you enjoy the fruit as well. You have to give in your best, which is very important to do well in life”.
Nilesh Singha adds, “Dancing has come naturally to me. When I was a kid, I used to dance at the start of music on the radio or television. My mother noticed this instinct of mine and enrolled me in dance class. Those days we used to live in Dombivali and the dance class conducted nearby was by established teacher Guru Vijaya Prasad. After completing the course, I regularly started participating in various competitions and became a front ranker with the competition conducted by Swar Sadhana Samiti on the national level and that really inspired me to take up dancing seriously”
“After I met Guru Tejaswini Raj, she told me that my body language is not suitable for Kuchipudi but Bharata Natyam would be ideal. She was surprised to know that am a Kuchipudi dancer, so I started learning Bharata Natyam from her but after she migrated to United States, I started learning from Guru Chaya Khanvate, who is among the senior most disciples of the Rajararajeswari Bharata Natya Kala Mandir. I also completed my arangetram under her guidance. I was also conducting Bharata Nayam classes for her institute Nateshwar Nritya Kala Mandir in Bandra but after some years, I realized that I have to grow as a performer and teacher, and I should have my own institute. That’s how myself and Mubina together established Shivoham”
“My role as a teacher, student, son or performer, every role is important in its own right. As a teacher, my role is more important, as I have the responsibility to do my best. Each student is different and their caliber and talent vary. Some are slow learners while some are quick to grasp. I have to nurture and guide them accordingly. It is a matter of great joy and happiness, when any student performs well, the satisfaction or happiness cannot be described in words. Performing in temples like Chidambaram, Brahadeeswara and Kumbakonam has been an unique experience for which I must thank Padmini akka as I feel the divine intervention is most important. One of my most memorable experiences in life was dancing on the birthday of Guru Padmini Radhakrishnan. it was her 100th arangetram and I must admit that I am a double graduate in dance,” Nilesh Singha signs off with an inimitable flourish of his own.
