Meet Sudip Chakraborty, a trained kathak dancer for over fifteen years. Trained under Gurus Pranab Sanyal and Sandip Mallick, he is in pursuit of learning the nuances of the dance more deeply. He has done a number of national and international programmes at various levels. Achieving what he has always dreamt of, he is still walking on the path of success, being an excellent dancer who has blazed an encouraging trial while bestowing this dance with dignity and enriching it with a deeper canvas of expression. He has been a part of a historical duo production with Kalamandalam Goutam (kathakali) that is Geethopadeshm, an amalgamation of both kathak and Kathakali what never happened before in India. Let’s have Sudip in conversation with us.
What is your educational background?
Forever student (laughs). Well, recently I got bachelors in Bengali literature from Maulana Azad College.
When and why did you choose your dancing career?
As a child I was always fascinated by the tales of legendary artists like Pt. Birju Maharaj, Pt. Durga Lal, which have been told to me by my father. There was a classical musical ambiance in my family. My father was into classical vocals. He took me for Kathak classes. And as I got acquainted with Kathak, the wish to learn and carry forward this beautiful dance form with its grace, divinity and legacy have been the purpose of my life.
What inspired you to be a successful dancer? Whom do you consider as a role model?
As I said, I was being told the stories of legendary artists from childhood, those have given me courage. And I consider Aditi Mangaldas as my role model. The way she has given newer dimension to new age kathak, amazes me at times.
How did you manage your studies along with dancing as a profession?
Ha! Ha!
I am not at all a studious person. But yes I like reading a lot of different things out of my syllabus. I used to study in the night time, mostly after 12. And with god’s grace (laughs off), thankfully never failed in any examinations. Have been a 80% holder of academics.
How has your life changed while you came in this field of dance?
It did not change anything. Dancing was never a different subject to me. It was equally important like my meals to me, and still it is. But yes when I started working professionally I have gone through ups and downs. Have seen different shades and faces of people, but everything is a learning experience altogether.
One of your most memorable experiences and one of your best performances?
THE DOVERLANE DANCE FESTIVAL. Yaa a memorable one indeed. And my life’s very first HISTORICAL duo production with KALAMANDALAM GOUTAM (KATHAKALI) that is GEETHOPADESHM, an amalgamation of both kathak and Kathakali what never happened before in India.
Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfrpSOT-A_0
How has your dancing career been through all these years?
Like every other other Indian dancer – filled with huddles and beautiful things altogether.
How does criticism from the audience keeps you motivated?
A Very good question. Honest criticism motivates me a lot. A LOT. I seriously work on them for the betterment of my artistry. But what happens most is, people in classical music and dance doesn’t really appreciate your good work. Very less and honest people do. So it’s also very important to be appreciated at times. It keeps you motivated.
What are your upcoming projects? What are your future goals in this field of entertainment?
Firstly classical dance is not just all about entertainment. Its a way deeper thing to connect to your inner self. So we all are doing that. But there is no fixed agenda of my dancing carrier. I just want to work and given an opportunity for sure would like to contribute something productive to this art form so that it can be showcased in new age platforms with respect.
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Could you share with us a few achievements of yours?
To all the performers mostly their memorable performances are their achievements. Would like to name few recent
- The Doverlane dance Festival 2016
- Dhauli kalinga mahotsav 2016(with Guru Sandip Mallick and his troupe)
- Pratishruti Festival 2017(by his Guru Shri Sandip Mallick)
- Amravati nritya mahotsav 2017.
- KOJAGARI international theater festival 2017.
- Hyderabad silparamam 2017.
- And few other in abroad.
What were the struggles that you faced in this journey so far? How did you cope up and overcome those struggles?
Many things I have faced in life the time I chose dancing professionally. I have seen the darkest parts of human beings. People have done so many things to stop me from dancing. Talked bad on my back. Tried taking advantages. Gradually overcame from those problems. Still things happen. It’s a life long path.
What I do is I run back to my mom once I am in any mess. She gives a head massage and cooks delicious food. And then I regain all my strength. And no one can stop me after that.
What is you message for the aspiring dancers out there?
Open up your eyes. Use your brain. Gain knowledge. Work hardest. Be eligible for what you desire. If you are being cheated raise your voice, whoever it is, it might be your neighbor, your brother, your partner, your guru or the person you work with. Just don’t stop dancing. Stick to it. No matter whatever huddle comes to you, it’ll all go away.
