Dancing to the stars

Sushant Khatri is a not a new name to dancing world in the sub-continent

SUshant Khatri

Sushant Khatri is a popular Nepali dancer making it big time in India Source: Facebook/imsushantkhatri

In recent time, reality shows have helped thousands of aspiring talents to earn both name and fame.

In Nepal where artists - especially dancers - don't earn as much as other performers such as singers and musicians are slowly being recognised for their talents.

Nepalis have slowly started to change their mindset towards singing and dancing. In 2018, they have begun to think singing and dancing can be a fully fledged career as opposed to them being just a social pastime.

However, one can argue this is not a new phenomenon - history tells singing and dancing were fully fledged careers not only in Europe but throughout Asia and the Indian subcontinent including Nepal.

Medieval durbars were full of professional singers, dancers and other entertainers who were paid premium from the royal coffers.

It might be the Western-influenced "Break Dance" or "Disco" in place of traditional Nepali dances like "Sorathi", "Ghatu" or "Maruni", but present-day Nepal has seen the rise in popularity of dancing.

Famous and talented artists like Sushant Khatri must be thanked and recognised for their efforts. Khatri has not only made himself a household name in Nepal, exemplifying what is possible, if one has will and determination, but he has his cult following in neighbouring India where he rubs shoulders with who's who of Bollywood - the famed Indian cinema industry.

In a brief chat with SBS Nepali, Khatri said it was his elder sister who inspired him to believe in his dancing.

"All Nepali parents want is their children to have a good future. My parents thought dancers don't earn a living. "
"My sister was a fantastic dancer, but my parents did not encourage her. They were totally against it, so she didn't pursue it further."
But, my sister was my greatest motivation, and she helped me to get where I am today", he says with a nostalgic smile.

His defiance has paid off big time, and Kharti is a big inspiration to a lot of young people in Nepal, India and other South Asian nations.

His popularity skyrocketed when he turned up in "India's Dancing Superstar" a dance-based Indian reality television show in 2013. He made most of his time and left a lasting impression not only on the viewers but the judging panel which included Bollywood A-listers.

Khatri has even started teaching younger, aspirant Nepali teenagers the tricks of his trade for no cost through various workshops. He says he wants other young Nepalis to learn at home - not having to run away from home as he did and struggle in a foreign land.
"When I wanted to go dancing, I had to run away from my parents. They would not let me have it my way. I don't want others to go through the same hardship", he adds.
He has already performed in several music videos and will soon be seen and heard in cinemas globally, with his debut Bollywood flick releasing next year.


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3 min read

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By SBS Nepali

Source: SBS



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