Kathak exponent Rekha Mehra tells Team Viva how her passion for dance turned into her profession
A trained classical dancer, Rekha Mehra has acquired a unique style of her own. An exponent of kathak, choreographer and social activist, she has skillfully blended Indian mythology with traditional dance style along Jaipur and lucknow gharana.
“I have been fortunate by the grace of God and have always been light on my feet. I have seen so many social issues and I think through kathak we can share these stories. What pushed me towards dance is the journey of life. Sometimes, something is destined and something you really have to chalk out in a diligent manner, otherwise it does not work. Gradually I realised I should spend more time with dance. Thus, my passion turned into my profession,” Rekha tells us.
From last five years she is teaching dance and music to under privileged children. “I have been teaching and learning dance for the past 35 years and a five years back when I saw these girls from the underprivileged section of our society, I thought about helping them. I thought it would be amazing if I could promote them in any way possible. I believe teaching the younger generation will maintain the interest and attraction of the traditional dance and music,” she says.
Rekha has performed for several International festivals in India and abroad namely - lucknow Mahostave, Mahakhumbha, International Trade Fair, Khajuraho Festival, Festival of India, Common Wealth Games Programme, Sharjah festival, Onam festival in Maldives.
About her recent show Universe in you she says, “It’s about glory and celebration of the universe in you, which brings the vastness, depth, beauty, limitless power of the universe inherent in each individual. Universe in you is the compilation of the struggle and battle between the good and evil forces, creative and destructive forces, lower and higher states in the outer and inner universe.”
While Indian classical dance has an ancient history, there was a time when they were all dying a slow death. However, as all art forms undergo a revival and return with a glorious bang, so did Indian classical dance.
“Indian dances are our heritage and if we guide the youth properly then only they will take interest in the traditional dance forms. India is a melting pot of culture and traditions. Hardly one can find any other country apart from India boasting of such rich dance forms. Indian dance form is full of intricate steps which really takes a toll on any layman to get versatility in it.
“The youth today mostly know Bollywood dance. Many are not aware that the sources for Bollywood are the traditional folk and classical forms. The classical dances to them are museumised objects that have no relevance to their real life issues,” she says.
“For me, I have a moral responsibility to share my knowledge and pass on the same to my students.
I have to bestow the next generation and make my community proud of what I have achieved. Skills and experiences that I have gained from academic training and personal pursuits were influenced from the people I have met. Therefore, it is ethically right that I return that favour for the benefit of the community,” she concludes.