At the creative edge of dance
In many ways, his Delhi days (1992-1997) linger on in his memory. He recalls putting in a 10-hour day at the Delhi Kathak Kendra--divided between yoga, self practice, Panditji's class, and classes in tabla and classical songs. "I don't know how the five years flew past. I really enjoyed training with Panditji. He never lost his temper with us and all his movements and teaching are story based".
Rahman teaches at institutes such as Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts, Shanto Mariam University of Creative Technology and his own organisation Aakrity, a dance institute and troupe. Rahman is also active at the grassroots. Under the aegis of Shilpakala Academy, he has traversed many districts of the country to teach and popularise Kathak.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The small screen has also lured Rahman. He has enacted the character of a Kathak dance teacher in a TV play, titled Champa Chameli, to be aired by Channel i.
Apart from Panditji, Rahman has studied dance at Shibli Mohammed's Shurangama Sangeet Academy. With the latter's encouragement, Rahman made the decision to go to Delhi to receive a good grounding in Kathak.
Traversing the road to become an accomplished dancer, says Rahman, has not always been smooth. At first he had to conceal his calling from his 'pious family' as he terms them. Later propelled to earn a living, he worked as a salesperson in a shop selling spectacles in Farmgate (1986-1992). Yet Rahman did not lose his creative edge as his employer, Rezaul Karim encouraged him to continue with his dance classes. "In his own way, Karim inspired me to go to dance school," he says.
Today Rahman draws heart from the increasing interest in Kathak, particularly at the district-level. With dancers such as Rahman at the helm, many young talents are likely to venture into the dance firmament of Bangladesh.