Goura Prema, who impressed one and all with her unique Kathak-meets-circus dance on India’s Got Talent, is back with another performance — Bhumi. She is excited about it, she tells Deebashree Mohanty
Tell us more about Bhumi, your performance in New Delhi in November...
Bhumi will have its very own circus-meets-Indian classical dance performance experience. Presented by the Natya Nectar International Dance Company, it will be rooted in the earth, but supported by four pillars that will provide a strong base to hold up this monumental performance.It will imbue all aspects that negate selfishness, consumerism and the negative facets of technology.
There are many renowned fashion designers who will be designing for your show...
Gaurav Gupta, Arjun Saluja and Tarun Tahiliani have all supported by providing stunning costumes.
How did the concept of Bhumi come to youIJ
I have been living and studying dance in India for almost a decade. The environmental hazards took a severe toll on my health and I wanted to portray this story in dance form.
Why Kathak and not any other Indian dance formIJ
I was in a low budget Bollywood movie called American Blend starring Anupam Kher, in los Angeles. I was casted as a back-up dancer and received intensive Kathak training. After the shoot, I realised that Kathak was the dance form that I wanted to devote my life to. So I packed my bags and moved to India.
Born in New Dwarka (los Angeles ISKCON) how difficult was it to imbibe the Indian cultural ethosIJ
Goura Prema means love for the golden lord. I was raised in a Bhakti Yoga community in America. I grew up a pure vegetarian, practicing yoga as a lifestyle, studying Sanskrit and reading scriptures like the Mahabharat and Ramayan. Growing up in the Iskcon community life was a celebration. Dance and music were an integral part of my everyday life.
You started at a very young age of three, how difficult was it to begin that earlyIJ
My mother tells me that when I was a baby I would create mudras in my sleep. We believe that I was dancing in many previous lives as well. I begged my mother to put me into dance class. I was already wearing bells on my feet when I was in diapers. Dance has always been a joyful journey.
Did you face any roadblocks while pursuing danceIJ
I was hit by a car in 2005 in the streets of Delhi. That was completely life altering. It made me see what life would be like without the ability to dance. I was unable to dance for a year and a half. After three operations, arduous physical therapy I immerged a survivor and a lioness ready to roar with my dance.
How did your training in Jazz and Ballet help you during your Kathak classesIJ
My previous training instilled a rigorous discipline in my form and my commitment to perfect each movement.
How was your experience in India’s Got TalentIJ
That was an incredible opportunity for Natya Nectar and myself. We received a standing ovation from the judges and the audience.It was really sad when a Bollywood group won over us.
What was the learning you got from this reality showIJ
The most valuable lesson is to be myself and never change for anyone. Natya Nectar had a completely different act planned for the semi final round and at the last minute the IGT team made us change our act. We only had two days to prepare the Mahabharat act that we performed. I feel it was quite unfair to make us change last minute.
You live and you learn. Each experience has only made us stronger.