Dance is the best way I express myself: Kinjal Rajpriya
Dance is the best way I express myself,' says
Kinjal Rajpriya
, whose inclination towards dance and music 'has been constant since childhood'. On
International Dance Day
, the 3 Ekka and Shu Thayu? actor joined us for a shoot where she performed her favourite dance moves and shared stories about being a disciple of the late
Kumudini Lakhia
, why she loves dancing and more.
'I won a lot of dance trophies for my school'
At a very young age, Kinjal realised her love for music and dancing thanks to her parents. She says, 'My parents would give me a particular beat, and I used to dance on it. I eventually joined Kathak classes and was also known as a dancer in my school. I have won many trophies and dance competitions for my school.'
She adds, 'I realised pretty early that as compared to other art forms, dancing is the best way I express myself. It has helped me get over stage fear as well. Also, dancing helps me empty myself when things feel overwhelming. There are many emotions like love, happiness, sadness, or anger, which I convey best through dance. It is like my therapy (smiles).'
'I love dancing on Krishna bhajans'
Kinjal enjoys dancing on songs about Lord Krishna's life
Asked about her favourite genre of dance, Kinjal says, 'I love dancing on Krishna bhajans and songs about Lord Krishna's life. Iss ek dance form mein hi bahot saare bhava hai. Iss mein Meera (Mirabai) ka, Radha ka, Rukmini ka, Yashoda ka aur khud Krishna ka bhi bhava hai. I find my most joyful self while dancing to such songs, as it allows me to express the navarasas together.'
'I have learnt a lot from Kumiben'
Kinjal learnt Kathak at the
Kadamb Centre for Dance
, which was founded by the late Kumudini Lakhia. Kinjal, who fondly calls her Kumiben, shares, 'While I learnt Kathak from different teachers, Kumiben used to visit occasionally. While interacting with us, she would say, 'You dance for yourself, and not for the audience.' She also told us, 'Enjoying dancing from within and outside will be the reflection of your expression.' I would write all these things in my journal and still look back at those notes when I can. I learnt a lot from her.'
She says, "Dance helps you gain flexibility of mind, body, and thoughts, and gives you a sense of liberation. It allows you to break a lot of barriers," adding, "I wish every child would learn classical dance or classical music. While other dance forms are good too,
classical dance forms
would help them to understand our roots, mythology and learn so many rasas."
"I hope
Gujarati films
explore classical dance forms soon, or make them a part of storytelling," Kinjal concludes.
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