Sohel Rahman: a dancer of promise
Turning to the trends in dance, he says, 'Some people are distorting dance intentionally while others are trying hard to standardise this form of art. We expect the trendsetters to be innovative, unique and artistic.' The choreography of the Bombay films, in his view, is a good example of both art and entertainment.
Sohel believes that the stage is the best medium for any dancer as one gets instant audience feedback on one's performance and there is no scope for repetition. At the same time television is important for the promotion of an artiste's career. 'To be able to perform is definitely a gift of God, but practice is the only way to success,' he says.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Asked why he usually dances with Riya, he says smilingly, 'We have a good understanding, which is reflected in our performances.'
His dance talent emerged when he was a young boy. While he was in class five, he received his first formal training in dance at the Bulbul Lalitokala Academy. His gurus were Rahiza Khanom Jhunu and Laila Hasan. When he was older, he received training from Sunny Mahapatra in Odissi, Shanti Bala Sinha in Monipuri and Kathak under Shibli Mohammad.
His talent was recognised early on. "After my fifth year at the Academy, I was appointed as a dance teacher in the junior section,' says Sohel. Right after he passed out from the Academy, he was chosen to play the role of hero in the dance dramas as there were very few male dancers in Bangladesh at that time.
Sohel is clear about his future path. In his words, 'I am seriously thinking of providing training to people from the rural areas who have a knack for this art but have limited opportunity. If we could somehow tap the hidden potentials, the country would surely benefit from it.'