Richa Shrivastava and Sunit Sunkara are professional Kathak dancers, although both of hail from different cultural backgrdounds, what binds them together is their passion for Kathak. Sunil and Richa have rendered several duet presentations, both in India and abroad. VIJAY SHANKER spotlights them together for exclusive interviews.
How and when were you initiated to dance?
I have been on stage since three years of age. My family was full of artists. My father being a theatre artist, my nani (grandmother) a visharad in tabla from Jhansi and my nani used to organise events for Kayastha Sabhas in Delhi and my mom and my aunts used to choreograph folk songs for kids like gidda, Rajasthani etc. I was lucky enough to get a fantastic Kathak dance teacher in my school Presentation Convent Sr. SEC. School. I did my basic training in Kathak in my school days in Delhi by Smt. Mukta Misraji in Luckhnow gharana And then when I shifted to Mumbai I was lucky enough to get another awesome teacher and Guru Smt. Shila Mehtaji because of whom I took Kathak professionally.
What has been the family reaction?
My family has always been very supportive. I am a blessed soul with angels in my life as my husband, Amber, supported my whole heartedly in my decision of leaving my corporate life (I was working with Adventure, a Lead, Channel & Vendor Management for UK recruitments before taking up Kathak as fulltime). My husband and my mother are my big support in every way possible. I am a mother of a 5 years old son, so shunting between these roles of a mother, performer, teacher and an entrepreneur becomes a little hectic at times but my mom and my hubby makes sure that I manage all these areas smoothly.
Has dance or music been hereditary?
Yes it is hereditary as my nani is a visharad in tabla and my dad is an actor and very good understanding of laya and taal.
Why did you chose Kathak and not any other style?
From the age of seven years, I was introduced to this art form. At that age I didn’t know the beauty of Kathak but there was something in kathak that made me mad. My friends used to bunk classes, I too used to used to bunk, but only for Kathak. I used to spend hours sitting with my dance teacher listening to her stories of her training days, dancing, etc at that age I was more inspired by my dance teacher Mukta didi than the art form. I started acting professionally in my college days.
When did you first perform together and as I was in the famous acting group led by NK Sharmaji Act one … but I realized that I was meant for Kathak. When we shifted to Mumbai my dad was not okay with me stepping in Bollywood so I started my formal training in Kathak with Shila didi. This was the time when I was convinced by the fact that Kathak is my home. This is where I find myself. I don’t find this joy anywhere else. I am born to be a Kathak dancer at least in this life.
What has been the reaction on the family and audience?
I faced few problems initially in my family as my in laws as I belong to a family of Doctors and engineers. As there are either IITians or doctors, it was a little difficult to make my mark in my family as dancer is still treated a step lesser than the other professionals but I knew what I was doing and I had full conviction. Today my in laws proudly introduce me in their circle saying dekhiye humari bahu Kathak Dancer and teacher hai.
Do you feel that being a fine human being would help you become a fine artist too?
Of course yes. I firmly believe if your art has touched u somewhere. It reflects what you are!! We all say that Art is pure.. this is where purity comes from and I guess it goes hand in hand if you are a good artist, you would be a good human being and vice versa art makes you sane and makes you understand that there is no ownership funda and once you are above the ownership funda as in this mine or this belongs to me or ME I arts makes you aware that these 2 words are not meant for an artist and in turn helps you become a better human being! It makes you realize that you can never hold it back in your wrist, it has to flow, you have to open up to be more giving and more receiving
There is a social stigma attached to male classical dancers, what is your view?
Yes very much but people don’t u understand that dance or any art form is not gender specific the one who in an artist is way above these worldly affairs. Society has to evolve and it is evolving. Today the Male dancers are well received in comparison to the earlier times.
Which role of yours is most important and why?
My most important role is to be a good human being as all other worldly roles are dependent on this one and once you achieve this at peace you are well sorted with other roles of being a mother a dancer a wife a daughter a sister teacher friend entrepreneur etc
Which are your most memorable performance, both in India and abroad?
In India It would be my initial performance from Karur Natyanjali when I performed for an audience of around 500 people in Tamil Nadu and was asked to perform once again as it was so well received.International would be my recent last year’s performance at Bahrain Indian Fine Arts Society
Any unusual experience in life?
There have been many unusual experiences but one that I clearly remember was when I was in Banaras for my advance training with Pt Vijay Shankar ji (Gandabandan shaagird of Pt. Birju Maharajji). I was travelling with my seventh month old son and was staying in a hotel which was next to a graveyard. And at midnight my friend and I could feel the presence of a supernatural power in the room. This experience was very unusual and terrifying for me and my friend. I started reciting hanuman chalisa and was at peace
What inspires or who inspires you in life?
I’m inspired by hard work and the live example in my life is my dad. His spirit to do things and never give up inspires me a lot! And my failures too. I have had a lot of failures, from body shaming to a lot of other things. These type of incidents motivate me to do much better than what I was doing in the past. Maharajji inspires me the most not just his talent but his outlook towards dance in general, he is one person from whom you can learn that dance is meant to be spread and shared you cannot keep it to yourself it has to flow then only your dance would grow.
What is your view on “Ardhanarishwar” and couple dancers?
Ardhanariswar is universe! Entire universe is divided into duality. Where there is power there is weakness;where there is light, there is shade. So ardhanarishwar is everywhere good and bad couple dancers are the best I feel. It is so awesome to dance with your soul mate, the love the connection the chemistry is just awesome.
Who is the best male or female classical dancer that you admire?
Best male dancer has to be and is the one and only Pt.Birju Maharajji – words aren’t enough to explain the level of admiration I have for his dance. Among the female dancers, I admire my first teacher, who made me friends with Kathak Mukta Misraji,Shila didi who channelized my interest and made me realise that I am meant to be a Kathak dancer and Saswati Sen Didi. She is an epitome of grace and Abhinay. I am so inspired by her understanding and interpretation of Abhinay.
What is the dance scenario in India and what advice would you give to students who are serious about dance as a career?
The dance scenario in India is at a progressive level as today dancers are much aware about the way they want to showcase their talent. I would advice and encourage students to take up dance as a career as it keeps you sane mentally and physically.
How would you define yourself as a dancer?
Graceful and passionate
What disturbs or excites you in life?
What’s disturbs me the most in life is negativity. I don’t like people around me being negative about things as I am an optimist. What excites me the most is spreading what I have learnt from my guru in the purest way possible.
What are your future plans and aspirations?
I along with my brother Anshul have set up a Studio which is a space for artists, actors musicians and dancers. I plan to grow this on a next level altogether and I aspire to make it a rendezvous for all the artists in Mumbai. And also be able to contribute to the society through my talent.
