Bhubaneswar: Social background and economic limitations cannot pose a constraint for talents in any field. But the talented people, particularly children, need guidance and direction, said noted dancer and choreographer Shakti Mohan.
Shakti is on a visit to Bhubaneswar to scout talents among children from all sections of society so that she would train them at her academy in Mumbai. “We will explore the talent in children during ‘Ghungru’ programme and our dance gurus will train them,” she said in an interview to a local TV channel.
Shakti is the chief guest of dance programme ‘Ghungru’ organised by Odisha unit of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Badhao’ campaign of the Central government.
“Anybody’s talent in any field cannot be suppressed by social or economic limitations. All that the person needs is support, training and exposure in right forum. It is here that we intend to aim our intervention,” said Shakti whose first song as a choreographer in Bollywood was in the movie ‘Padmaavat’.
On being asked whether the children from low-income level, lanes and slums be part of her programme, Shakti, who was the judge and mentor in the dance competition reality show ‘Dance Plus’ said, “Children of our country have lot of potential. I have come here to explore those talents. But the children must have willingness to learn and should be serious and sincere about pursuing dance as a profession. If my team is satisfied with children, I will take them to Mumbai to be trained in my academy, Nritya Shakti.”
The teachers of the academy, Roja who belongs to Odisha and Niraj will judge the children participating in the dance competition and select them. They would train the children who would qualify in the competition, she added.
Shakti, who has choreographed leading actors of Bollywood in several films, said, “I feel our classical dance forms are far richer and evolved than western dances. Unfortunately, Indian classical dances have not got the recognition and appreciation in the international stage. At present, I am engaged in working in this regard.”
