Empanelled artiste of Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Nehha Bhatnagar by her astounding and exquisite dance stunned the audience with his glittering performances in India and Abroad. Eminent Bharatnatyam Dancer, Nehha Bhatnagar is a disciple of Padmashree Saroja Vaidhnathan is a highly acclaimed and renowned dancer, who continues to be totally involved in the art both as a teacher and a performer. Around 500 plus performances she has staged both as solo and group dances while she has also imparted the knowledge of classical dances at over 200 workshops, conducted in India and other countries like USA, Kenya, Hong Kong, Tunisia, and China etc.
Nehha opined that the makers of dance reality shows should launch reality shows for classical dancers also for its promotion and encouragement in our country. She has performed extensively in all major Sabhas and festival in India and abroad and runs her own foundation tiled “Sarvam” in Delhi for the promoting Indian classical dance. In a brief talk, Nehha Bhatnagar shares her experience.
Que. Why did you choose to be a dancer?
Ans: When I was 4 year old my neighbour aunt, who was also an instructor of classical dance noticed my facial expression and appearance and insisted my mother to introduce me to classical dance. Thereafter, my mother introduced me to the field of classical dance and ever since I have been practicing, performing and grooming others for this. My first guru, Vasanti Shridhar taught me about the elementary skills of Bharatnatyam and after that I continued my journey as a disciple of Classical Dance Exponent, Padmashree Saroja Vaidhnathan and Rama Vaidhnathan.
Que. Brief us about “Sarvam” Foundation?
Ans: Sarvam Foundation is functioning with a motive to impart training in classical dances to the children of every category whether they are underprivileged or wealthy. Sarvam works to scout for talent at the grassroot level in slums and it imparts training to underprivileged girls without charging any cost. Sarvam Foundation through its many collaborations and events has enabled many young artistes to expand their horizons within the arts and realize their true potential.
Que. Why there is more preference for joining the classes of western dance instead of Indian classical dance?
Ans: Modern dance or western dance can be learnt in your spare time while the classical dance is highly demanding with hard work and discipline for completing the course in Indian classical dance which varies from three to six years long. There are several disciplines in Indian classical dance and the students has to devote must time and hard work for mastering each of them. Pursuing classical dance is a lifelong mission for which one has to dedicate his whole life. The classes teaching western dance are being joined by youths only as a time pass they are not dedicated for achieving excellence in it, they attend the classes only as a hobby and not as the part of lifelong mission.
On the other hand, parents are also wanted to see their children’s on stage in a short time period, which is not possible for in the field of classical dance and as its outcome several parents prefers to introduce their wards in western dance classes.
Que. What is your opinion about the dance reality shows? Is it edging out the importance of Indian classical dance?
Ans: Indian dance reality shows are focusing more on the western styles because they feel that the audience likes it and they are in trend right now. But they are not thinking that their international viewers would like to see Indian classical dances because it represents the history and mythology of Indian culture. The Indian classical dance is enriched and has a vivacious affect on the soul, where western dance fail to be in line with in. Day by day the variety of western dance is changing itself, but the Indian classical dance is still the same from last five centuries. I don’t think that dance reality shows are endangering the existence of classical dance in India. Moreover, I would like to say that the TV channels and makers of reality shows should also launch Dance Reality Shows for classical dancers with a completely new segment. It is quite impossible to judge participants of classical dance in 2-3 minutes performance but we can give those 15 minutes time to demonstrate their best. I wish TV channels launch reality show based on classical dancers, it will promote classical dance in our country.
credit: third party image reference
Que. What is your opinion about the dance reality shows? Is it edging out the importance of Indian classical dance?
Ans: Indian dance reality shows are focusing more on the western styles because they feel that the audience likes it and they are in trend right now. But they are not thinking that their international viewers would like to see Indian classical dances because it represents the history and mythology of Indian culture. The Indian classical dance is enriched and has a vivacious affect on the soul, where western dance fail to be in line with in. Day by day the variety of western dance is changing itself, but the Indian classical dance is still the same from last five centuries. I don’t think that dance reality shows are endangering the existence of classical dance in India. Moreover, I would like to say that the TV channels and makers of reality shows should also launch Dance Reality Shows for classical dancers with a completely new segment. It is quite impossible to judge participants of classical dance in 2-3 minutes performance but we can give those 15 minutes time to demonstrate their best. I wish TV channels launch reality show based on classical dancers, it will promote classical dance in our country.
credit: third party image reference
Que. Why there is less response from the audience for the program of classical dances over western dance shows?
Ans: Younger generation is seems to be inclined more towards the modern dances than the performances of Indian classical dances, it should be considered as the outcome of modern trend in movies which have highlighted the item songs with glamorous and obscene movements by the characters. While, the classical dances registers lack such things which the youths like too much. The other reasons why people are less more interested for watching western dance programmes, is the timing of performances. A western dance performance takes hardly 5-6 minutes, while a classical dance performance needs over 25 to 30 minutes for a single act. A performer is also responsible for less or good response from the audience side. It is essential for a performer to interact with the audience in an entertaining and responsive manner.
Que - Being a woman any challenging situation or adverse circumstances you faced in your life?
Ans – Being a woman, I have never faced any challenging situation in my artistic life but in my personal life yes, I had witnessed several adverse situation and still facing problems for my wedding. Since last five years, my parents are searching a bridegroom for me but always I am rejected from the other side. Still several people are there who believes dance is just an entertainment stuff rather than art. Although there are challenging situation in life any women should not deter from the course of her struggle for achieving her goal.
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Que. When you are not working what you like to do?
Ans: Whenever I feel free, I like to spend time in kitchen as cooking is my hobby. I also used to read journals and novels in free times.
Que – Any message or advice for the youngster, who are pursuing to achieve excellence in the field of classical dance?
Ans – Weather it is dance or anything else you need to work harder to achieve your goal. There is no shortcut to be a successful classical dancer or in any field. I personally believe that shortcuts usually lead to disappointments rather than quicker success. It is better to get proper coaching, instruction and mentoring for your goals rather than thinking of shortcuts.
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