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As a part of EPISODE-6 of ADOR LOVE SHOTS, enjoy an Interesting conversation between Udit Shah - CEO of Ador Dating, on the topic of "Love for Indian Classical Dancing of Legendary" with Ragni Maharaj, Kathak Dancer, Grand Daughter of Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji, 9th generation of Kalka-Bindadin.
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Please share a brief about you and your journey as a professional dancer and your life experience as a part of the same
It is my fortune to be born in such a great family of Kathak dancers, and I belong to the Kalka-Bindadin Gharana of Lucknow. I am the 9th generation in my family who is practicing Kathak. My journey as a dancer has been great till date as it has also helped me to grow as a person and to also have a lot of patience to be able to understand a particular discipline like Kathak dance and to also understand life filled with music.
Dancing requires lots of dedication, persistence, and patience; how do you manage to follow your hobby along with your daily routine
Absolutely correct, a particular dance form or music does require a lot of patience and devotion. It was initially very difficult for me to manage academics and dance but I made sure even during my school days and college days that I keep in touch with Kathak.
It is also a blessing for me that I always stayed with my Gurus in the same house. My grandfather Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji, my aunt Vidushi Mamta Maharaj Ji, and also my father Pandit Deepak Maharaj Ji. I always had access to music and dance in my daily life.
If you had a chance to spend 1 hour with one professional dancer, who he/she will be?
Unfortunately, I lost my grandfather, the legend on 17th January 2022. I wish he could come back.
Why traditional dance forms like Kathak and Bharatnatyam are utmost importance for youth to learn in their initial years?
Indian classical dance forms and music, gaayan, vaadan, and nritya we say are an important part of India's identity. It is okay not to like a particular discipline but at the same time, we should know how to respect it. Classical music and dance is the root of Indian tradition.
What are the easiest ways for youth to learn the basics of dancing from the comfort of their home online?
People should reach out to gurus who can teach online. Since all of us are going through the covid phase for the last 2 years, all the dancers and musicians have mostly switched to online classes. I have also started taking online classes now.
What are your tips for women to balance between following their passion and daily routine?
Women are themselves capable of balancing everything in life. They need no guidance.
Fun and Rapid Fire Round on Ador Loveshots
Udit Shah: If you had to choose between Dancing in front of 10,000 audiences or Dancing with any Bollywood star - what would you choose?
Ragini Maharaj Ji: I have already performed in front of more than 10,000 people at the Sawai Gandharv festival, Pune. As my grandfather Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji was himself a maestro, film stars like Madhuri Dixit Ji, Kamal Hasan Ji, and many more have learned Kathak from him for their respective movies. So, the question isn't applicable. Haha.
Udit Shah: Your favorite dance form
Ragini Maharaj Ji: Other than Kathak, Odissi is my favourite dance form.
Udit Shah: Your favourite dancer in your favourite dance form
Ragini Maharaj Ji: Kathak- not including my family members as they are my Gurus, I will say Vishal Krishna (grandson of Kathak Queen Sitara Devi Ji) And in Odissi which is my favourite dance form, I will say Padma Shri Madhavi Mudgal Ji and Sujata Mohapatra Ji.
Udit Shah: Your most favorite dance step
Ragini Maharaj Ji: If it was a face-to-face interview then I would show the step. Since it's a written interview, I will tell my favourite aspect of dance is Abhinaya and Bhaav (expressions).
Thank you for your amazing answers. It was fun having you on Ador Loveshots.