Dechaosify

Stunning Underwater Photography

2012-02-01T00:57:00.000-08:00

I was blown away by these beautiful pictures by photographer Howard Schatz. Dance photography in itself can be quite stunning but to shoot underwater gives it this surreal, dream-like quality.

World's Largest 3D Painting

2012-01-26T23:15:00.000-08:00

Street artist '3D Joe & Max’ turned part of London’s Canary Wharf quayside into the longest and largest 3D artwork. Reebok collaborated with Crossfit to develop this.

It is just so super cool that I had to post it.

Picture Courtesy: designtaxi.com

"Crazy Horse" documentary by Frederick Wiseman

2012-01-19T00:17:00.000-08:00

I have had the opportunity to watch the Las Vegas version of Paris's famous revue, "Crazy Horse" at the MGM Grand.
I feel that the artistic elements complement and almost override the erotic aspects of the performance. I remember a friend saying that "after a point you don't even realize that they are nude!" The dancers are technically skilled (and of course gorgeous!), the lighting is hauntingly beautiful and each act is conceptualized in a unique way.

This movie, titled "Crazy Horse," has been directed and edited by Frederick Wiseman and was released in New York today. It takes a look behind the velvet curtains of "Le Crazy Horse de Paris." In an interview discussing the documentary, Wiseman talks about his interest in the comedy and tragedy in ordinary experience that have not been tapped in documentary terms. He is basically interested in the institutional context of "Crazy Horse," (he speaks about exploring behaviors defined within the boundaries of specific institutions). This is not a voyeuristic journey into the lives of the dancers.

Frederick Weisman says he is limited by the facts since it is a documentary but nevertheless, I think that it will be an interesting film to watch.

The Art of Maya Rao

2012-01-15T11:19:00.000-08:00

"Khol Do"

"Deep Fried Jam"

Every time I watch Maya Rao perform, I am mesmerized. I am yet to see an artist embody a character or a concept so completely, exhibit intellectual and emotional nuances so exquisitely through her physicality. Whether it be her minimalistic work, "Khol Do," (one of her earliest works) or her highly intricate multimedia work, "Heads are Meant for Walking into," or my personal favorite, "Deep Fried Jam," her works are unforgettable. They always leave a strong impression. They are intensely exciting, a breathtaking journey through an emotional and conceptual landscape. Maya Rao is like a furious storm on stage.

Her latest work "Ravanama" will be presented at the NSD Festival in New Delhi on Tuesday, Jan 17 at 8:30pm at Abhimanch. On the festival website the description is as follows:

"Ravanama"

"The performance revolves around Ravana – a mythological character in the grand scale. He has ten heads that jostle together, vying with each other. He has as many boons as curses from the gods and so, is often not aware of the consequences of his actions – good or bad. Ravana is the scholar, the musician, the lover of beauty, the supreme warrior and the unparalleled disciple of Shiva. He is single-minded whether it is to do with getting Sita for himself or winning impossible boons from the gods.
Several versions exist about his relationship with Sita. . On stage we see a contemporary actor preparing a show – every time she dips into the ‘world’ of Kathakali she comes out with a further revelation of Ravana…. "

"Ravanama"

I am bitterly disappointed that I won't be in India for this performance. For those of you who are lucky enough to be in New Delhi, I would highly recommend this show. I really know nothing about it, but I know that watching Maya Rao perform is an experience you are not likely to forget!

Photos Courtesy: http://mayakrishnarao.blogspot.com

Meidhwani in Delhi

2012-01-08T12:17:00.000-08:00

I am kind of bummed out that I am leaving Delhi just as the National School of Drama's theater festival began. I am particularly disappointed that I will be missing Meidhwani, devised by members of the Attakalari repertory. It will be performed on Jan 13, at 8:30pm in Abhimanch. Even though I will be missing it, I wanted to encourage other dance and theater lovers to watch it. I have heard some great things about it. Also, one of the dancers Diya Naidu was a friend in college and a beautiful dancer. I am sure she has blossomed into a tremendous performer now!

Photo Courtesy: http://www.attakkalari.org

Shakti Mohan's Dance Calendar 2012

2012-01-04T02:40:00.000-08:00

I love dance calendars. Turning the page every month to find a new embodiment of grace, movement, energy and momentum. In the past I have bought Lois Greenfield's calendar. This year as I was looking around I saw that Dance India Dance Season 2 Winner Shakti Mohan has launched her calendar Nritya Shakti, shot by fashion photographer Pravin Talan.

I think Shakti is a fabulous dancer and she is gorgeous! I think I may have a slight crush on her!

This is her favorite picture from the calendar:

I love the blending of the Classical and the Contemporary in this picture. The traditional accessories are juxtaposed with the very sculptural Contemporary Dance pose. She is graceful and fierce at the same time.

Some of my favorite pictures are:

The red color looks like she is draped in fire. At the same time there is a beautiful softness in her arms

This last one is really edgy. Her expression is fierce and self-assured as she is effortlessly poised on her toes. The definition of her muscles and the way she is lit make this picture really exciting.

There are so many other amazing pictures in her calendar and her character and body language change with each picture. Though most of the pictures display her immense power, there also those which show a sense of vulnerability.
The combination of her inherent power and sensuality and the conceptualization of the ideas behind each picture, render them into works of art.

The Nutcracker

2011-12-25T13:30:00.000-08:00

Since it is Christmas today I thought I'd share some cool posters of the holiday season ballet "The Nutcracker:"

http://sabellatsiopaniillustration.blogspot.com/

(There are 2 other wonderful posters designed by her on her blog)

http://www.theballetbag.com

emilymaye.blogspot.com

http://ballethawaii.org

Merry Christmas!

Working with an injury

2011-12-25T07:17:00.000-08:00

As a dancer, there is nothing more frustrating than being injured.

I have mostly been lucky in this regard but this Fall I had this excruciating pain in my knees. It was just this chronic pain that would not go away. Yes I was told to rest but how does a dancer not dance? I mean is that even a choice?

Anyways I struggled through my classes and I also did our bi-annual show. Now when I look at the footage I feel like I totally sucked! But I know I did the best that I could at that point. An injury is physically daunting and mentally exhausting! At least people around me were super supportive which was fabulous. I tried everything from Ayurvedic oil, ginger, excessive painkillers, icing my knees, drinking joint juice, massages...you name it, I tried it!

Now after resting my knees for about 2 months, I am anxious to be back in the studio but also apprehensive about how my body will react. The doctor said my body is "too delicate for this profession." So now I have more supplements than even my 90+ grandma, doing physiotherapy twice a day and yesterday I attended my first yoga class in months and struggled through everything!

I am trying to be patient with my body (what choice do I really have?) Meanwhile, I know I have to overcome this so I will continue to strengthen my supporting muscles, take proper supplements and hope I can dance forever!

Dancing by the Visually Impaired

2011-12-13T11:42:00.000-08:00

I always think of dancing as being a very visual activity.

Recently, I had the opportunity to judge a dance competition at the Center for Blind Women, in New Delhi, thanks to my friend Lado who teaches yoga at the Center. What did I expect? I don't know.

All I know is that I was blown away. From the guy who took off his jacket and threw it on stage, to the girl who showed her adas in "Maar Daala," each one of them brought their unique personality, their passion for dance and their determination. Some of them were so good that I didn't even realize that they had a problem with their vision until they would turn and then end up facing a wrong direction, away from the audience and continue dancing.

It was inspiring and humbling. One girl was on the verge of stepping off the stage several times but the volunteer helped orient her. But she kept dancing undeterred.

I have attended workshops where we had to move with our eyes closed. It can be terrifying! And to do a choreographed dance with intricate footwork, without your vision to guide you can be really challenging.

Watching these kids dance their hearts out despite their limitations just made me really happy! And watching their faces light up, I knew they were happy as well. It just made me appreciate the magic of dance; it can truly cross all barriers...

Living and loving Cricket

2011-04-02T21:36:00.000-07:00

Cricket is the common language, the unifying thread that binds our entire nation together. I know people in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and various other countries feel the same. The lull when our team is losing and the euphoria when we are close to victory seep through the entire nation's consciousness.

Even though I wish I was in India to celebrate our team winning the World Championship, the passion was no less here in the Bay Area. All night vigils for every match were taking place in the Community Center. The match would begin at 2:00 a.m. but from midnight, the dancing and dhols would begin. The night would begin with beer and end up with endless cups of chai and hundreds of people flocked to the community center to watch the matches. Indian flags of all sizes dominated the landscape and the color blue was prevalent. Chanting and cheering was constant.

One of the most overwhelming things was singing the National anthem together (something that I have not done since I left India in 2003). From then till the end of the match, each moment was punctuated with collective gasps, cheers, sighs - a mere echo of an entire nation holding its breath.

I loved seeing so many Pakistanis in India during the India-Pakistan match. It was so great to see cordial relationships between the players and audiences. Despite both the nations' hunger to win, the aura was relaxed and the environment was of one of mutual support. Shahid Afridi won everyone's hearts by his honest and humble words and of course by his talent on the field. My heart went out to the talented Pakistani team (there were so many really young players and they were just incredible!).

This spirit of mutual respect and appreciation has characterized all the matches this time. I know cricket is not just a game for us. But it doesn't need to become a war. Even as it brings us together as a nation, it is not necessary to alienate other nations. So the Hindu v/s Muslims rubbish in the India-Pakistan match and the Ram v/s Ravan crap in the India-Sri Lanka matches was just ridiculous. The people who propagate such hatred are undermining the positivity and hope that our cricket team brings to us.

We really saw some wonderful cricket in the World Cup. The matches were nail-biting, exciting and the teams poured their hearts and souls into the games. Today I just feel so incredibly proud of our team for struggling against the best teams in the world and coming on top. Their fighting spirit is and will continue to be an inspiration to us all.

Thank you to the our amazing team for bringing us the World Cup. In this moment we can forget everything else and just revel in the feeling of being the World Champions. Thank you for all that you have given us; words can never explain how the nation feels right now...

Thoughts on the movie "Dhobi Ghaat"

2011-01-26T16:55:00.000-08:00

I saw Dhobi Ghaat a few nights ago and absolutely loved it. It is just visually stunning. I know a lot of people will dismiss it as being too "artsy" but the movie has so much soul. It is extremely well acted for the most part, though there were parts where Monica Dogra is a bit irritating. Aamir Khan's silent presence enhances the movie and the shots of him painting are just wonderfully sensual. I was especially captivated by Kriti Malhotra who plays the character of Yasmin, a girl seen only through video tapes, made for her brother, in lieu of letters. Besides Yasmin, the other unforgettable character is Munna, brought to life by Prateik Babbar. I have only seen Prateik Babbar in "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na", where he has a minor role. I enjoyed his acting then but in "Dhobhi Ghaat" he emerges as an extremely talented actor, who is able to capture the various nuances of his character, Munna.

It was also really interesting to see Mumbai, through all these different perspectives. Unlike "Slumdog Millionaire", in which one basically sees the poverty, dirt and darkness of Mumbai, in "Dhobhi Ghaat" one sees so many different aspects: the monsoon, the smell of the ocean, hints of the Underworld, the struggle to find accommodation, and so much more. It is a full bodied picture, where the city comes to life as much as the characters who dwell in it. I liked how Shai who is from New York wants to capture the street life of Mumbai, and Munna who lives on those streets, can only see the dirt and despair clogging them. The photographer looks at the streets for inspiration, but the dhobhi wants to escape from the streets, just as the artist looks at Yasmin's innocent beauty and her quiet wonder of life for inspiration, as she tries to step out of that life.

The dynamics of the relationships were visualized well, especially the Shai-Munna relationship. The chasm of class becomes visible at the very onset when he visits her house to delivers clothes, and she offers him tea, to find that her maidservant serves his tea in a glass and hers in a porcelain cup.This becomes pronounced towards the end, when her friends are buying weed from a dealer and she sees Munna with him. She hides behind the tinted glasses of the car, so she doesn't have to acknowledge him in their presence.

I was completely drawn into the movie. It was just breathtakingly beautiful, achingly subtle. It is not the kind of movie one watches simply to be entertained. At the same time it is not tedious or distant. There are so many heart-felt moments but unlike a lot of Bollywood movies it is not over-dramatic. Not all the strings are tied at the end. Not all questions are answered. Not everything is resolved. But it is a movie that stays with you; I know I will be thinking about it for a long time...

Re-learning Fearlessness

2011-01-07T15:28:00.000-08:00

I remember walking into a class in San Jose State University, nearly 8 yrs ago, and realizing that everyone around me was just simply amazing. I had left India with minimum training in Jazz and Indian Contemporary Dance, and had come here in search of something, I wasn't quite sure what. My first contact with Modern Dance and I knew why I was here, miles away from home, and the only life I had even known.
At that point I had never even seen a Ballet piece, never heard of Jose Limon, let alone Release Technique, Performance Art and all the incredible things that existed and captured my imagination. Everything was fresh and exciting and I surrendered to it all. I was not worried about being the only person in a Ballet class who did not know what a pique turn was. In fact, I was quite FEARLESS. I auditioned for the companies on campus, for things outside, attended classes which were meant for advanced technicians and I just soaked up everything. I improvised in fountains, met inspiring artists, created works in dilapidated construction buildings, and questioned EVERYTHING.
Now, eight years later, I feel that even though I am still as excited about dance, I have learnt to look at things with a critical eye, sometimes too-critical, where I find myself analyzing things even as I partake in them. But what I miss is not my sense of wonder, but my fearless-less; my ability to go into any scenario without questioning my abilities. I remember taking Miguel Gutierrez's composition class at the American Dance Festival in 2005, and again in 2006, where one of the assignments was to not censor ourselves. It was incredibly easy then, I NEVER censored anything. I often felt that some of my works were misfits in the choreographic concerts of San Jose State University. But I never thought to alter them.
Now I find myself hesitating, even before I begin creating. Sometimes I look at a workshop that I would love to do, or an audition that I am interested in attending, but self-doubt plagues me. I am not sure how and why this has happened. All I know is that it has. And the more skills and experience I acquire, the more insecure I become. This year, I really want to rediscover that curiosity that I had, which went beyond fear. I want to be FEARLESS again. I want to be willing to fail. I want to be rid of this self-imposed pressure to live up to something and be something. I want to be in tune with myself and simply create and dance, because what else is there to do...

Piercing and Healing: My Acupuncture Experience

2010-12-25T17:26:00.000-08:00

Alternative healing, naturopathy, homeopathy and Ayurveda have always been a huge part of my life. Popping pills and taking medication was something we (my family) just didn't do! Having a grandmother who continues to practice yoga at the age of 90, a mother who has studied reiki, an aunt and uncle who are homeopathic doctors, my inclination to explore non-traditional healing methods is TREMENDOUS. As a kid, when contracting colds became a frequent phenomenon, my mom took me and my brother to an ashram, where they taught us jal neti, where you pour water up one nostril and it comes out of the other, to irrigate the sinuses. Many years later, my mother studied acupressure, and eventually acupuncture (even though she cannot practice the latter, as one needs to be a medical doctor for the same).

From http://www.kapuracu.com

So basically I am giving the background as to how I landed up in an acupuncturist's clinic; why I agreed to succumb to needles being put into me, given my phobia of needles. (This does not include piercings as I have 11 of those!) I decided to get acupuncture in India because its more affordable and my mom could accompany me, as I was TERRIFIED. In fact, it was she who suggested I try it. This was because my knees were beginning to hurt, and there was stiffness in my neck and back, due to excessive dancing. And by the time I went to the clinic, I also had a horrible cold and sinus. (shouldn't have stopped that jal neti!)

Doctor Raman and Sunita Kapur's Clinic in GK 1, New Delhi, is well known, but I was still not prepared for the large number of people who flocked there. They do acupuncture for all kinds of ailments, diseases, for quitting smoking as well as for cosmetic reasons. They conduct a test using a specialized instrument which they place on your palms and determine where the "blockages" are. Acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi, the life energy in the body, and needles are inserted to allow it to FLOW and rejuvenate, by removing any BLOCKAGES.

From http://www.silverpointacupuncture.com

My first day and I had 27 needles in me, including 7 on my FACE. But almost immediately, I could feel a relaxing sensation and a flow of energy within me. There were several needles on my knees, and they put herbal pellets called moxa through them, which were burnt to allow the heat to seep into the knees. I know it sounds INTENSE, but it was actually really soothing. 30 minutes later, they came in and removed the needles. The sinus went away in about 3 days and the gradually the deep ache in my knees eased too. 10 days and over a hundred needles later, I felt GREAT!

Now that I am back in the studio, dancing for several hours at a time, I am glad I spent that time taking care of my body. I would highly recommend acupuncture to anyone who has any chronic pains (though my pain wasn't caused by any medical condition like arthritis, it was more due to the high impact of dancing). Doctor Raman Kapur is FANTASTIC; my only criticism is that the clinic tends to be really NOISY. The staff chatter constantly and sometimes are just a bit haphazard. There were few times when my mother had to remind them to put the moxa, or tell them that my session was over. The most annoying was one day when the moxa was too hot, I rang the bell for the staff and no one showed up! My mom just added extra paper, but that is not the point.

Overall it was a good experience, though I wish that the atmosphere was more peaceful. But my pain has VANISHED so I can't really complain!

Thoughts on ZANGOORA: the Bollywood Musical Extravaganza

2010-12-14T06:05:00.000-08:00

As I arrived at the Kingdom of Dreams, I was dazzled by the massive SCALE and GRANDEUR of the setting, the sprawling culmination of art, culture and cuisine. Faithful to the resplendent settings, the musical 'Zangoora', showcased in the Nautanki Mahal, is nothing less than magnificent in terms of the production and the scale. The world of the Kingdom of Dreams, located in Gurgaon, Haryana, (just beyond New Delhi) is comparable to the theaters of Las Vegas.

'Zangoora' itself has a fairly traditional plot which would make a weak movie but works for the musical. What was extremely DISAPPOINTING for me, was the choreography. It seemed, since the sets were so sensational, the choreography simply relied on the large number of people, the amazing costumes and the use of props. There didn't seem to be a lot of thought put into it, and having seen Shiamak Davar's shows in the past, it seemed like a recycling of old ideas. There was nothing that was unique or fresh. The dancers performed well and I know that musicals rely on stereotypes but everything that is Bollywood does not need to be so CHEESY (for lack of a better word!)

There were some dances that were stronger than others such as Gauhar Khan (Laatchi's) dance (I have forgotten the song, but it is right after she finds out that Zangoora doesn't love her) which she performed with skill and intensity, and the sculptural choreography worked well. Her body language was very powerful; in fact her emotions and personality were better portrayed by her dancing than her acting.

I was not very moved by Kashmira Irani. She is a graceful dancer but her performance was not riveting. It was beautiful without being touching. Her lyrical movement was somewhat convincing, but she could not do justice to the more typical item songs like 'Mehbooba Mehbooba,' and 'Choli ke Peeche' was particularly disappointing.

The actor who played Zangoora (Hussain did not perform that night!) had a certain ease in his dancing and acting, which made one connect and empathize with him. Even though I didn't think of him as an incredible dancer, he was connected to the movement and was able to communicate the emotions behind each song. His acting and stage presence were memorable.

The entire cast of dancers were exploding with energy and enthusiasm but their performance was sometimes a bit fake. Expressions for a Bollywood dance, especially on stage, do have to be exaggerated, but a lot of dancers seemed to put on a face, rather than really feel the movement and then emote. There was a difference in the level even within the ensemble dancers. Several dancers from the cast did stand out on the basis of their skill and performance.

What I did really like, besides the amazing production of course, was the use of the SPACE. The action was not limited to the stage. Dancers often came into the audience. There were entries happening above the audience, with the use of aerial apparatus. The aerial dancers showered the audience with flower petals. At one point there was a "rainfall" of foam particles which landed on the audience, and we hurriedly covered our drink glasses! There were projection screens on either side of the stage, which were used well to enhance certain scenes.

Overall, the show was SPECTACULAR. I have been fortunate enough to have seen a lot of shows in various countries and cannot help but compare. I think the environment created by 'Zangoora' can compete with any international show and Bollywood has a mass appeal that cannot be ignored. The tickets, priced from Rs 1000 to Rs. 6000, may not be affordable for all, but are definitely worth it. Being a dancer, I cannot help but focus on the intricacies of the choreography but for those who can look beyond it, 'Zangoora' is a VISUAL TREAT. I am really excited that such an amazing facility has been created and I know it will pave the way for other productions that will only continue to evolve.

The Concept of Fusion

2010-10-19T01:35:00.000-07:00

Fusion is a word that gets thrown around a lot, especially in dance. Literally, it means "a blend of styles" but each choreographer interprets it differently.

I first began exploring fusion in college in India, when as the President of the Dance Society of Lady Shriram College, New Delhi in 2002, I choreographed a piece called "Rhydhun" in collaboration with various dancers. It was set to the song "Rhydhun" by composer Taufiq Qureshi, the title itself combining the English word Rhythm with its Hindi equivalent dhun. It began with a Kuchipudi dancer dancing on a plate, flanking with a Tap dancer, creating complementary rhythms. In addition, there were five Bharatnatyam dancers, three Jazz dancers, one Contemporary Ballet dancer and two Odissi dancers. The piece showcased each of these styles individually and culminatinated in a dance conversation between three dance forms.

At that point, the mere co-existence of various dance forms, especially Indian Classical with Western dance forms, in the same work was considered fusion. Several years later, being a much more experienced choreographer, my concept of fusion has altered. It is less about staying true to each style, and more about capturing the ESSENCE of different genres to allow the emergence of an entirely new style. This has been an organic process for me, as I see influences of my cultural background seep into my Modern Dance works. A focus on intricate hand gestures, grounded postures and other movements that have become a part of me, after studying Indian Contemporary Dance, Yoga and Mayurbhaj Chhau, and from all my years of just living in and experiencing India.

Sometimes I do try to create work that is true to a certain dance form, but mostly I look BEYOND GENRE. When I was choreographing A.R. Rahman's "O Saaya," for the Mona Sampath Khan Dance Company, I asked Mona Khan, whether she wanted a modern piece or something more influenced by chhau. She said to let the music GUIDE me. What ended up was a work that was very Contemporary, with a distinct Indian feel.

Since then, I usually trust my instincts, whether I am inspired by music or a conceptual idea. Fusion for me today, is really about TRANSCENDING genre, being open, allowing my mind and body's experiences to guide me, and exploring a place that is familiar yet new. My journey in dance may make me question this a few years from now, and take me to a whole new place. I stay open to the ENDLESS possibilities...

Photoshoot on the subway station

2010-10-07T01:20:00.000-07:00

Gretchen Garnett and Kelly Bowker are two amazing artists who I have had the opportunity of working with, in the past. Dancing and choreographing together and being part of each others' visions, we decided to collaborate to produce our own show which will be on April 8-9, 2011 in CounterPULSE in San Francisco.

Among the other logistics came the photo shoot. We figured that it would be nice to have pictures of all of us together, representing the new project, rather than yoking together individual pictures. Gretchen suggested the BART station as the venue. The BART is such a big part of any San Francisco and even Bay Area commuters' life. Impeccably dressed office workers, people making beautiful music for mere pennies, students, homeless people, people going for games and concerts and factory workers, can all be seen on a BART station.

So the venue was finalized and so was the photographer, Kevin Wong. Then we decided that we would wear dresses and heels; what better juxtaposition to the grittiness of the BART station? So the shoot took place among dust and grime, flashing train signs, announcements and the motion of the moving trains. We hung from railings, leaned against the walls, jumped off the sitting area, lay on the platform. People did stare but then, it was San Francisco!

The shoot culminated in some gorgeous pictures and a fabulous experience. There is something so special about taking dance outside the proscenium and into the heart of a city. The beauty of art nestled within the mundane everyday world of the transport system. It would be interesting to bring that grittiness to dance as well.

A Typical Sunday in a (MSDC) Dancer's Life

2010-04-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves Sunday. Waking up late, being lazy, just chilling. Welcome to a MSDC Sunday!
As an MSDC dancer Sunday is probably the CRAZIEST day of the week, not to say we don't still love it.

Most instructors teach on Sunday mornings for a few hours. I teach the Emerging Performers from 12:00-3:00 pm and lot of other instructors teach several classes in the morning hours. Then 3:00-5:00pm is the instructor act rehearsal. So all of us instructors and a lot of emerging performers who are also assistant teachers, continue our stint in the studio. Not so bad? I'm not done yet!

Then 5:00-8:00pm are rehearsals for other shows. Currently we are rehearsing not only for our student spring showcase but 2 major shows, ALSO in May. Whats more, all these shows are in the SAME week. So we had to split our team so two rehearsals are running parallel in two studios. Mona is running from one studio to the other, we are constantly looking at each others' progress and of course the general chaos, characteristic when 50 dancers are in the studio, occurs.

So 8:00pm and everyone is getting burnt out. But we are INCORRIGIBLE. We don't look at the clock, say its 8pm, and we should go home. Despite the junior performers' parents collecting outside the studio door, some of us reduced to a state where even lifting an arm seems like a Herculian effort, and the studio floor slick with sweat (sic!) we continue to ask Mona if we can run it one more time. This happens a few times. Even after that, people start running routines for another show, trying stunts, rolling on mats, doing handstands against the wall, until we are literally pushed out by the lone person from the Indian Community Center, who has agreed to stay on late to lock up after us.

With great reluctance we drag ourselves out, only to reconvene in the lobby or parking lot and begin talking, discussing and analyzing what we just did. Typically Amrita will pull out a bunch of costume options and we will spend another few minutes in further discussion. Then, instead of going home, we will decide that we haven't really hung out, so we will head to the closest restaurant (El Torito) and spend the next few hours there. Once again we will get stuck in the parking lot, when they kick us out of El Torito and then make our way home. Usually, when I get home I have a flurry of MSDC emails waiting to be read, so I start on the the work we have to do outside of the studio.

It is exhausting but in a great way. Everyone's Facebook statutes talk of soreness, but all with a sense of joy and accomplishment. MSDC Sundays are GRUELING but INCREDIBLE. We wouldn't want it any other way!

Crazy things that I've seen in the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

2010-04-12T15:04:00.000-07:00

BART is the train I use for all my commuting to San Francisco. I love it! I hate it! I can't survive without it. I get a lot of work, reading, writing, calls, done during transit. At the same time the 50 min. each way commute can be tedious, especially if one is going to be in SF for a short time.

Anyways these are the craziest things that I have experienced in BART:

#3 This dude gets on the train and falls asleep after figuring out that he has the last stop. We get to the last stop. He doesn't wake up. People around him try to wake him up but give up. He continues to sleep as the train heads back where it came from. Wonder where he woke up!

#2 This guy keeps looking at me and finally asks me if I have a boyfriend. I tell him that I am married. He gets worked up and upset at me for not keeping my ring more VISIBLE!

#1 This one is the WORST! This girl sitting across the aisle, suddenly comes to the old lady and starts screaming at her, asking her not to stare at her. The old lady is disoriented and she says "I wasn't even looking at you." This girl takes it to a WHOLE new level. She's says "I am not a lesbian. Don't look at me." She says this like 5 times. Another lady says, "hey relax! You are a pretty girl. Its OK." This girl goes CRAZY and starts cussing the lady, saying "I know you wish you could get with me." She just trips out. It was a little bit scary, a little bit icky (she was so homophobic), a little bit pathetic.

These are just 3 incidents that I was thinking about. There have been so many more. Public transport can make for interesting blog entries, never knew that before.

Making Emcee Hash's music video

2010-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend we were shooting Emcee Hash's video. Emcee Hash is a talented rapper who fuses sounds of the East & the West. He also happens to be my husband!

This particular song, called "Naach," has a smooth, sensual and GROOVY feel which Mona Sampath captured beautifully through her choreography. I was really excited that she agreed to choreograph it and six of my gorgeous dancer friends, totally set it on FIRE. Hash and Steve worked out the venue months ago; it was shot at The Garage, a space that resonates with intimate familiarity, being the first space, where I presented my work professionally in the Bay Area.

As always, overloaded with preparation for various shows and classes, we managed to finally squeeze in a SINGLE rehearsal where Mona taught us the choreography. Amrita had spent a good three hours the previous night coordinating mine and Hash's clothes. Me and Hash spent many more hours in the mall, figuring out things to match.

Ruby, who does the makeup for all MSDC shows, did our makeup even though we had a super low budget. It was GLAMOROUS! Most of us rushed straight from teaching class, to spend hours getting ready and finally arrived at the venue in San Francisco. Hash and Steve, with the crew, had already set up the lights.

Since Hash had insisted I be the lead, I had a chance to watch the dancers, which I usually don't get to do. Even as I was dying to join them, I was blown away by how amazing they are and I felt so PROUD, that I dance with them. I was also really proud of Hash, because he always gets into the zone and it is amazing to watch him in action. It was funny to see him surrounded by my friends who were exuding hotness!

After 5 hrs of shooting in various angles, different permutations and combinations and costumes, we were done. It was a lot of work but in a satisfying way. It was so great that the entire crew knew each other. Hash and me were both a bit nervous but we had such a supportive environment that it all fell into place. Between the dancers, Steve, Mona and Ruby (who insisted on doing our touch-up after every few shots), I think we managed to bring out the best in each other.

The video will take while to edit and I can't even IMAGINE how incredible it will be! Stay tuned!

Sonoma: a moment plucked from time

2010-03-18T22:46:00.000-07:00

There is something PRICELESS about being able to take a day untainted by routine and just slip through a gap in time. Spending just one day in Sonoma, among the gentle roll of the green hills, the hints of spring in the air and the delicious sunshine.

We indulged a bit by staying at this beautiful place called Cottage Inn and Spa. My FAVORITE thing was the fountain in the center, where in the evening flames simmered through glass pieces, while the water continued to flow underneath. I also loved the outdoor courtyard with its beautiful sculptures, plants and comfy seating. The designer was a ROMANTIC, no doubt about that! All the lights in the room could be dimmed, there was an in-room jacuzzi, and candles everywhere. There was a little T.V with some movies and a boombox with a collection of cds. And a heated mattress which can heat just one side of the bed which is awesome because I like to be TOASTED, and Hash, definitely not.

We went to Bartholomew winery which was nestled in the midst of the hills and it was fun to just hang there. I preferred the wines at Roche and Charles Creek, though they were in downtown so nowhere as picturesque. It was a fabulous day enhanced by sun-soaked skies and colorful blossoms, punctuated every so often with wine tasting (also cheese and olive oil tasting!) We woke up early on Sunday to find a basket of fresh baked goodies outside our door. Hash made coffee and then after a stroll through town, it was time to go.

It was a PERFECT day. It is nice to have a prolonged, luxurious holiday but small tidbits of time, in the midst of daily chaos, are MUCH needed. A week later, drenched in work, I am reminiscing...

A tribute to my students

2010-03-15T02:52:00.000-07:00

My students and their parents constantly shower me with appreciation but I haven't had a chance to tell them how IMPORTANT they are to me. This is for them.

There are days when I am exhausted, overworked and life has poured unusual amounts of insanity into my plate. And I really feel like I cannot get through class, but the moment I walk into the studio and start conducting the warm up, EVERYTHING falls into place. I love the energy, enthusiasm and the willingness to learn that greets me every time I walk in.

Over the years, I have seen students walk in who say "I have never danced before. Is that ok?" And I always say "that's what I am here for." Someone once said that the "limits are only in your IMAGINATION." I have learnt to believe it. I have seen students grow and blossom and with every session they become stronger dancers, better performers. I am not very liberal with praise and often have a reputation of being a strict and demanding teacher when it comes to the junior/teen age group. That is because I want them to constantly push themselves, but every time a session ends, I feel a tremendous sense of pride. And when they are on stage, they always SHINE. And sometimes I don't say anything because words fail me.

The kids are a different story altogether. They have a question for everything, an explanation for everything. They always bring a smile to my face. Often when I try to teach a step, they come up with INCREDIBLE imagery to describe a movement. I teach them how to dance but in the process learn so much more. Parents often talk about how its hard for kids to adjust to another instructor but the feeling is MUTUAL! It is really hard for us to give up our classes. I still drive an hour to Evergreen because I am so attached to my classes. And I know its the same for so many other MSDC instructors.

At the same time, I want to thank the students for their faith in me and for registering quarter after quarter and believing in my ability to teach them something more, challenge them in a different way, draw out something new from them. Ravi Shekar and Shobha Kunder have been with me since the first class I taught with Naach and then with Mona; a journey of 3 yrs. My Pleasanton juniors Akanksha, Saumya, Ankitha & Saloni have been there for every performance quarter, also for 3 yrs. There are so many more who have been with me EVERY quarter since they began and that really means so much.

This is just for all my students to know that I feel honored and humbled, and to thank them for their loyalty and love. Got to LOVE being a teacher!

The Dance Business

2010-03-10T15:07:00.000-08:00

So I always think of dance as an art but as one tries to make a living out of it, at some level it does become a business. But it is still dance. Its about being in the moment, experiencing something special and SHARING that experience.

As I am gradually learning, grant writing, marketing and knowing how to talk and write about one's work is essential. Joe Landini, who runs The Garage in San Francisco, once said to me that "the more you are successful at doing what you do, the more time you need to spend away from it." That is so so TRUE. I had my first home season last year and I spent less time in the studio than I did on my computer. But even as we strive to get more students, audiences, funds, what drives the process is passion and commitment.

I think an environment where one is competing but in the process, enabling and supporting one another exists, such has been my experience in the SF Bay Area community. There are some stunning dancers who dance with me, who also choreograph their own work, dance for other artists and sometimes we are showcasing our choreography in the same festivals. I think that is freaking AMAZING! And its so much fun to feed off each others' energies and ideas.

On the flip side, I have had some really BIZARRE experiences as well. People claiming credit for stuff they haven't done, joining one company and then soliciting their students and teachers to join their own, and other UNETHICAL stuff that I cannot even begin to describe. But when I look at them I don't see artists, and they are definitely not driven by their love for dance.

I think that as artists we have to learn to market ourselves, but not at the cost of our art. Else, what is the point? We may as well quit and take up a career that actually pays!

Finding Balance

2010-03-09T00:58:00.000-08:00

I remember, when I started learning dance, people would always keep talking about FINDING CENTER. Finding that point where you push down through your feet, reach up from the top of your head, extend and lengthen and lo and behold! you achieve balance!
Photographer: Rob Kunkle

Easier said than done. Much like life. That is one of my goals for this year. Balancing choreography and performance, teaching and learning, dance and other aspects of my life. Every day I try. Sometimes I fail, sometimes succeed. But I try to do it with a sense of calm, which does not come easily. TRY is the keyword.

Teaching about 14hrs a week, spending a few (or a lot of) hrs. in rehearsal, taking class (which I want to do a lot more of), doing other non-dance stuff which supports the dance stuff, I come home quite exhausted and usually with zero inclination to research, mail, cook, clean, or all the other things I should be doing. Sometimes I even become a social recluse. I am oblivious to what is happening in the world and am often jolted awake by Facebook statuses.

Then I go an a MANIC spree catching up on everything and realize that once again something is getting left out. Emails slipping through gaps, applications getting dangerously close to deadlines, me getting seriously close to exhaustion. Then a reevaluation of everything and a new beginning.
Photographer: Rob Kunkle
These are a few of my goals for the year: take more dance classes, practice more yoga, BREATHE, read more and in a more balanced manner (usually a book can keep me riveted to an extent that I forget to eat, sleep and move). Cook more (don't think it will become a passion, but maybe a habit), wake up earlier, less CAFFEINE, spend more quality time with friends and family, less negative energy, try and have our place look more habitable, STRESS less, be willing to let go, write more, and just try and be a better dancer, better teacher, better PERSON.

Finding balance does not happen. Just like one doesn't ever become a dancer. One is constantly BECOMING; it is a process. I may never find it. But I will get closer.

Roaring and Scoring (performing at half-time for the Warriors)

2010-02-25T15:31:00.000-08:00

Bollywood & NBA, an unlikely combination. But boy did it work!
Mona Sampath Dance Company in action

The Golden State Warriors versus the 76ers game held last night at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, was on India Heritage Day. And so Mona Sampath Dance Company was invited to perform at half-time.

There were months of excitement and anticipation but only 4 rehearsals, owing to other events. So those 4 rehearsals were intense, grueling and LONG. We would not fit in the studio where we usually rehearse; we could not fit our entire team of 50, properly spaced, ANYWHERE. So we booked a basketball court in Newark. The court was partitioned, and some folks were still playing, who watched curiously as our endless party streamed in. We stretched, positioned, practiced. Then the BEST part. We had to resort to using their PA system and suddenly "Ringa Ringa" started blaring in the basketball court. Half-embarrassed, half-zealous, we danced!

make up, curls & more...
The 4 days melted away in soreness and joy, fatigue and excitement, as we danced, danced, danced. Finally yesterday was IT. We showed up at the Arena, frozen due to the constant downpour. An army of 50, ranging from ages 8 to 30, with golden tikas peering from hoodies, long plaits pinned to sweatpants, the usual glitter and glamour, trying to camouflage (quite unsuccessfully!) with the viewers. We were led to our seats where we sat for all of 5 minutes. Then we were taken "backstage" to the locker rooms.

We had already spent a few hours getting ready before we even got there. But there are always loose strands to gel back, stray fabric to be pinned, the usual touch up and Amrita's INSPECTION. She will detect a gold pin where a silver would be more appropriate, a gray hair tie, which will be promptly changed to black, and other details which most people cannot even see with the naked eye.

warming up those legs
Then finding a place to warm up,which can be challenging with 50 people. People going over different parts of the routine in all possible spots, including the restroom. Dancers practicing the lifts, the flips, the crucial timing for partnering. Dancers dodging flying limbs, flipping bodies, turning circles. And somehow we were READY. We stood in a circle, holding hands, CONNECTING one last time, before being led out into the court.
We stood in two single files, pressed against the door, watching the stadium and taking in the shear numbers. It was ELECTRIFYING, it was NERVE-WRACKING, the wait, those last few minutes. Deep breathing, running in place to keep ourselves warm, random hugs and arm presses and then the music began. Everything went away. Only the dance remained. There was a WHIRLPOOL of energy as we danced, jumped, ran, turned, while 15,000 people watched. As Brian brought me dofrom the last lift, I felt our energy echo in the stadium, as the audience cheered. It was EXHILERATING!
waiting to exhale...

I don't think any of us have performed in a stadium, in front of 15,000 people before. It was an incredible opportunity to share our vision and passion with so many people. It was also great to showcase and represent our culture at the NBA. Bollywood is becoming mainstream, and since Bollywood in the Bay Area is almost synonymous with Mona Sampath, as part of her team, we were all extremely proud. People actually said that it was the best half-time performance they have ever seen. As we went back to watch the last quarter of the game, we felt part of something intangible. It is like the roar of the crowd, the excitement of the game, the hysteria of the fans. Something which cannot be explained, can only be EXPERIENCED.

Jai Ho!

For a video clip of the performance click here
For more pictures click here

Living with Kittens

2010-02-17T22:49:00.000-08:00

We recently adopted 2 kittens called Too Tiny and Jazzy, whom we then renamed Masti and Zanzi, then changed Masti to Pixie and have finally settled on TUNA and JAZZY. Of course they respond to NONE of these names!

They are beginning to recognize our TONES (when we attempt to assume an annoyed tone, a warning, welcoming or accusing tone, though that could just be wishful thinking!)

So the joy of having 2 kitties in the house? Where do I even start? They are completely and absolutely ADORABLE, from their tiny pink noses to their constantly wagging tails. There is nothing like 2 cuddly fur balls on either side of you, purring away happily. Coming home to an empty condo versus these two, stretching slowly, and coming to greet you.

And nothing beats their INSANITY over a piece of string. They go BALLISTIC. Tuna & Jazzy also entertain themselves by attacking their reflections in the mirror, soaking the sun on the window sill and grooming each other.

The word MANIAC acquires a new meaning when it comes to meal times. They will be chilling, taking a nap on my shawl, dress, blanket, Hash's office bag, or wherever they fancy, and we just have to pick up their dishes and that is it! Within the few MINUTES, while we wash their food dishes, open the cat food tin, fill the dish and replace it, the pitch of their mewing has gone up by many OCTAVES. But unlike dogs they do not sit and beg for food, so we can happily sit on the couch with our food and them, and they will not try to put their mouths in it. (though that could be a comment on my cooking!)

Despite the fact that we need to scoop away the poop from the litter, have them walk all over us in the morning, if they wake up early, and the (not so) occasional scratch when they get excited, I couldn't be happier to welcome these two in our home.

Not to mention that writing this has been a bit challenging due to their INEXPLICABLE fascination with the laptop. They need to gently paw the screen, sniff the track pad and walk all over the keys.

Is the house messier? yes! Is life better? YES!

Spreading the loooove

2010-02-14T02:09:00.000-08:00

So my Valentines eve was EVENTFUL...I mean literally! I was at a Valentines event at the Indian Community Centre, where I did this hot hot duet with Brian to a luscious, soulful song. My Valentine did come to watch which was PERFECTO! (We will do our romantic, celebratory, somewhat traditional Valentines celebration next week. I am tempted to go for the pillow fight in San Francisco, but Hash is not too excited about it.)

Anyways so the event tonight was SUPER fun. You can't go wrong with chocolate fountains, an open bar and of course, performances choreographed by the Mona Sampath Dance Company. I LOVED working with and watching Jollywood, our SENIORS' performing group. The girls SIZZLED in gold tights and orange feather boas, shimmying to the tunes of "aap jaisa koi" The boys matched their rhythms in "ek main aur ek tu." Jollywood are just amazing, and their ZEST is inspiring.

Then of course the company kids set the stage on FIRE, like they always do, and the StayFit group did a bunch of SCINTILLATING numbers. I really had fun dancing with Brian; we were INCREDIBLY connected and it felt really, really good, especially after the few but intense rehearsals, that resulted in cuts, bruises and the usual soreness. And of course our SHOW STEALER Akhil was the compere, the most ARTICULATE 5-year old I have ever met, with a VOCABULARY that far exceeds his years (and cuteness I cannot even begin to describe).

We followed up the performance with drinks and dancing. Now I am home and it is past midnight, so its already Valentines, the day Hash proposed 3 yrs ago. Today I teach and rehearse from 12 to 5pm. It will be another CRAZY day. Hash and I will probably do dinner together.

So even though Valentines wasn't what I had thought or hoped it would be, it was still a BEAUTIFUL day. I got to share my love for dance with so many people and spent the evening with a lot of people I care about. As the day closes, I am HAPPY and THANKFUL for all the wonderful people I have in my life, some who are far away, but always in my thoughts.

"Better it Stays a Hobby Only"

2010-02-05T23:54:00.000-08:00

"So what do you do?"

How many times do we encounter this question in our lives? People ask out of a mild curiosity, genuine interest, to fill up awkward silences and as an opening into what could develop into an engaging conversation.

What happens to me is something like this…

Person: So what do you do?

Me: I am a dancer

Person: ohhh! (sometimes "how nice!" as an afterthought)

(SILENCE)

photographer: Rob Kunkle

Sometimes they venture forward.

Person: So what kind of dance?

Me: Modern Dance

Person: Ohh! (PAUSE) So what is that?

Me: Modern dance originally began as a reaction to the rigidity of ballet…blah bah

(FIRSTLY, it is difficult to define Modern Dance. SECONDLY, the whole point is, it is constantly evolving and subverting prior definitions. THIRDLY, what Modern Dance means to me is a different discussion altogether.)

This is usually THE END.

But I often hear “so it is like what you see on MTV?” No comment! In fact, in December, in a dance workshop in India, where we had to do short solos someone asked me, with the air of superiority which several Indian Classical dancers acquire, if I did Hip Hop. Honestly, I do not believe in compartmentalization and I have seen performers blend Hip Hop and Modern Dance with absolute flair and finesse. (And they can choose to call it Modern Hip Hop, Hip Hop Modern or something else altogether.) But I DO NOT do Hip Hop. And Hip Hop is not Modern Dance.

Anyways, this is just one scenario. More often, this is what happens, (usually in India), after I say that I am a dancer. (In fact, the same someone also had this conversation with me before he decided that I did Hip Hop)

Person: So you do Bharatnatyam or Kathak?

Me: neither

Person: Ohhh (SILENCE)

And sometimes…

Person: But Classical is a MUST.

Me: I have studied Western Classical forms like Modern Dance, Ballet and Jazz.

Person: Yes, but Indian Classical is THE BASE.

10 years of immense effort, my B.A. in Dance, and all the work I continue to do: DISMISSED. But I don’t take it personally. It usually reveals their ignorance or bias, rather than my lack of knowledge.

There are stereotypes that trail me in the Bay Area too. A lot of times, I am asked “what ETHNIC form I do” as if that was a given. I have been invited for a few South Asian showcases and I like to clarify that I am an Indian doing Modern Dance, so I know I am not chosen to represent something that I don't do. The STRANGEST experience was when my choreography was performed at a Contemporary Dance Festival and the organizer kept asking me what Indian Classical form I did! I couldn’t believe that after watching my application dvd and the live performance, she was asking me that!

These are some of my FAVORITE comments:

Person: so is dance a profession or a hobby

Me: Not sure (This was 10 yrs ago)

Person: Better it stays a HOBBY ONLY

Person: What do you do?

Me: I am a dancer

Person: No, I mean REAL WORK.

Person: You should do something that is PROFESSIONAL

Person: Do something WORTHWHILE.

Person: People will not want a dancer in their family. No one will want to MARRY you.

What is my SAVING GRACE? I have a degree in English Literature from LSR in Delhi. People can relate to Eng. Litt. and LSR and it means that I have the potential to have a REAL JOB, even if I am wasting it!

What makes it WORSE?

I do Bollywood Dance, which is a further negative for a lot of folks who revere the Classical Arts and brings to mind a preconceived image. (Again this brings up the question of what Bollywood is to me. I like to stretch existing definitions, but that will be another posting!)

Anyways, I have learnt not to dwell on the words of those who typecast me or don’t appreciate my art. Instead I focus on the amazing RICHNESS of the Bay Area Dance Community, the wonderful dancers who inspire me every day and make my vision a reality and friends and family who support me, sometimes from 1000 miles away. I don’t want to list their comments as it would sound narcissistic, I’d feel shy and they are private. But they understand that I am constantly EXPLORING, QUESTIONING and FINDING MY VOICE. That I choose to speak in the language of Modern Dance is merely incidental.

Dancing for & with Shah Rukh Khan

2010-02-02T22:45:00.000-08:00

Being a diehard SRK fan, when I heard about the event at the Fairmont in San Jose where people would get to interact with SRK, my immediate reaction was “I'M GOING!”

One look at the ticket prices and my plans were DEMOLISHED... $500 (later reduced to $250) for VIP and $100 for regular. I mean, who can afford that? YA RIGHT! There were folks, with full family, bacchas and all, bejeweled and caked, to take their pics with SRK.

That same evening, Mona, with the demeanor of a person who is going to drop a freaking bomb, told us about the event. Veiling her words in an air of complete nonchalance, she told us how they approached her to feature her brand new company, Mona Sampath Dance Company, which I am a proud part of.

The next few days were unreal. We had one week to put together a MIND BLASTING (for the difference between mind blowing & mind blasting, watch Russell Peters) act to honor King Khan. Besides the incredible excitement was the nagging fear that this may not come through. I mean there is no contract, no mention of our name, NOTHING! Not to mention

several Bay Area companies, swarming around the organizers, offering to PAY THEM to perform!

But we set out to do what we know best: DANCE.

Mona put together the mind blasting medley of song and dialogue, selecting epic songs from SRK’s movies. The medley itself was a driving force, but TREMENDOUS work lay ahead. Over the next week, we worked endlessly to prepare something that would truly capture the essence of Shah Rukh Khan. We incorporated different dance styles, moods, and props to prepare a 9-minute dance. Buckets of sweat, toil, endless rehearsals and bottles of Gatorade, led to our SRK medley.

Then of course, the costumes arrived and we realized that we had to wear heels. It was immaterial that we were expected to jump on tables, run from spot to spot, fall on the floor and basically tear apart the stage. Blisters followed soreness; but the dancing continued.

Finally THE DAY arrived. We arrived at the Fairmont, at 3 pm, for the technical rehearsal. Then began the waiting game.SRK was supposed to arrive at 8pm, but didn’t arrive till 11pm. Meanwhile we waited in the room, the corridor, the room again, the corridor again and finally the dingy kitchen. All this while, with 3-inch long heels, curled hair kept in place with half a bottle of hair spray and several props. All this while, we grumbled about not being at the grand entrance, where the fans were milling to greet him. Luck was on our side though, and at 11:05pm, SRK walked in, not through the grand red carpet entrance, but THROUGH THE KITCHEN.

After a quick picture, and the fact that some of us had been rendered BREATHLESS and SPEECHLESS, it was show time. We began dancing.

SRK pulled his chair closer as dialogues and soundtracks enmeshed. And closer when "main hoon don" came. And closer, smiling now, as "kaali kaali ankhen" blared on. Finally he stood up and started walking towards us. There was confusion, commotion, CHAOS! Security restrained people, asked SRK to stay put, waves of people charged forward and us? We danced! And Then. There was Shah Rukh, in front of us, on the dance floor, as waves of people rose and fell around him. He rocked with us, until the crazed fans enveloped the stage and security had to lead him away. But those few moments when we danced for him and then with him, justified EVERYTHING.

It was incredible to share our passion with him, and see him affected by our zest for dance. We were told that it was highly unlikely for him to join us on the dance floor, due to his injured shoulder; but there he was, doing “Dard-e-disco” right in the center.

It was an incredible first performance for our company. We can never forget how despite protests by the security, and the mob of fans, SRK couldn’t help joining us on stage. What greater compliment can there be?