Manish Kumar Rai: A Journey of Passion, Dance, and Social Change

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In the culturally rich tapestry of India, few stories embody the spirit of perseverance and passion like that of Manish Kumar Rai. Born in Varanasi into a large joint family, Manish is the youngest of five siblings, including three elder sisters and one elder brother. His upbringing in West Bengal was shaped by the career of his father, Gorakh Nath Rai, who worked with Coal India, and the nurturing presence of his mother, the late Shanti Rai. It was within this dynamic environment that Manish's extraordinary journey in dance began—one that would challenge societal norms and inspire countless individuals.

The Early Years: Discovering a Passion for Dance

From a young age, Manish was captivated by the world of dance, particularly the enchanting performances of Madhuri Dixit on television. He found himself mesmerized by the grace and artistry of dance, an art form that, during that era, was often considered taboo for boys. However, this societal stigma did not deter him. In 1996, at the age of eight, he took the courageous step of enrolling in Kathak classes after watching the songs of Madhuri Dixit on the television especially the song Chane ke Khet mein and O Ramji Bada Dukh Dina aspiring to be another dancer of the level of Madhuri Dixit. Initially, this secret was known only to his mother, who wholeheartedly supported his passion while his father remained unaware. He was primarily focused on the Expressions of Bhav in his learnings primarily trying to emulate the expressions of Madhuriji and thus he got hooked on the Kathak form more.

Manish took up learnings under the tutelage of Banaras and Lucknow gharana, especially Late Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj ji and also for banaras gharana he took training during his school holidays, especially from the great family of Janaki Prasad ji.

As he immersed himself in Kathak, Manish's horizons expanded further when he witnessed a Bharatanatyam performance by the legendary Hema Malini. This experience ignited a new passion within him, prompting him to pursue training in both Kathak and Bharatanatyam simultaneously. Balancing his artistic pursuits with academic responsibilities, Manish completed his schooling in West Bengal, demonstrating a strong commitment to both dance and education.

He began his Bharatanatyam training under Guru Nayana Bannerjee and took some workshops of Guru Deepak Mazumdar and many other eminent personalities across India.

Academic Pursuits and Professional Career

Manish's dedication to education led him to pursue an engineering degree at GHRCE, Nagpur, followed by an MBA from Amity University, Bangalore. Despite embarking on a successful career as a software engineer—accumulating over 13 years of corporate experience in the IT domain—dance remained a central part of his identity. For Manish, dance was more than just an art form; it was a spiritual journey that provided solace and fulfilment.

His passion for dance became a vehicle for social change, as he began organizing dance festivals to raise funds for charitable causes. Through these events, Manish sought to make a difference in his community while showcasing the beauty and significance of classical dance. His Facebook page, "Dance Floor," serves as a platform for individuals seeking assistance, emphasizing his commitment to helping others.

Recognition and Influence in the Dance Community

Over the years, Manish has garnered significant recognition, particularly in South India, where the appreciation for Kathak has been on the rise. His dedication and contributions to the dance community have led him to meet and learn from esteemed artists, including the renowned Odissi dancer Sonal Mansingh. Inspired by Mansingh's grace and artistry, Manish began learning Odissi, adding another dimension to his dance repertoire.

Currently, he has taken on the role of a mentor, having trained ten students in various classical dance forms. His approach to teaching emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural and spiritual significance of dance, instilling in his students a sense of pride and responsibility in preserving these art forms. Manish dreams of opening a dance studio in either Bangalore or Varanasi, where he can promote classical dance styles and provide a nurturing environment for aspiring dancers.

After he got married in 2017 November, his wife Divya Singh who hails from the holy city of Varanasi encouraged him even more to go places for improvement in his dancing skills. Especially during COVID times, she helped him to move to online platforms for virtual dance events and recitals and be his pillar of support through thick and thin. She helped in recording his dance videos posting them and sharing them over social media. She made him start a new journey of exploring Bangalore city and touring places for Dance Recitals and Festivals and accompanying him for the same. She has been facing challenges and backlashes from society, family and relatives for Supporting him but she stood firm and thus Manish excelled onto another level of sharing stages with Dr. Geeta Chandran ji and Dr. Ratheesh Babu Bharatanatyam Exponents and Madhu Nataraj and Sswati Sen ji Kathak Exponents and so on.

Challenging Societal Norms

One of the most significant challenges Manish faces is the societal perception of male dancers in India. Classical dance has historically been viewed as a feminine pursuit, leading to scepticism about men engaging in this art form. Manish is determined to change this narrative. By advocating for male participation in classical dance, he aims to create a more inclusive and progressive space for artists of all genders.

Through his performances and outreach efforts, Manish seeks to inspire a cultural shift that celebrates classical dance as an essential part of India's artistic heritage. He understands that changing deeply rooted perceptions takes time, but he remains committed to his mission. His journey is not just about personal success; it is about breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of male dancers.

Awards and Recognition

Manish's dedication to his craft has not gone unnoticed. He has had the privilege of receiving awards and accolades from several prominent figures in the dance community, including Madhuri Dixit Nene, Sudha Chandran, and Nikki Galrani. These honours serve as validation of his hard work and commitment to promoting classical dance, further motivating him to continue his efforts. To name a few Awards which included Golden Star Award 2024, Gnana Saraswathi Award 2023, Nritya Sadhna Award 2022, Indian Glory Awards 2021, Nataraj Samman 2020 and many others.

A Vision for the Future

As he looks to the future, Manish Kumar Rai envisions a world where classical dance thrives alongside contemporary forms. He recognizes that while Western dance styles have gained immense popularity, classical dances, particularly Odissi and Kathak, deserve greater visibility and appreciation. His aspiration to open a dance studio is driven by a desire to foster a community that values traditional art forms and encourages artistic expression.

Manish aims to create a space where dancers can not only learn technical skills but also connect with the cultural roots and stories behind each dance form. He believes that by instilling a sense of pride in classical dance, he can inspire a new generation of dancers who will continue to carry the torch forward.

Manish Kumar Rai's journey is a remarkable testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose. His dedication to dance transcends personal ambition; it is rooted in a deep desire to uplift and educate others. As he challenges societal norms and works tirelessly to promote classical dance, Manish stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration.

Through his efforts, he reminds us that dance is not merely an art form; it is a powerful means of expression, connection, and social change. With every performance, festival, and class, Manish Kumar Rai continues to break barriers, making a lasting impact on the world of dance and the communities he serves. His vision for the future promises to further elevate the status of classical dance, ensuring that it remains an integral part of India's rich cultural heritage.

You can connect to Manish Kumar Rai - 8971785234