Coming from an orthodox family where classical dance was often dismissed as “effeminate”, Rahul Gupta refused to let societal norms dictate his passion. Years later, he ensured his son, Bharat, could follow the same path — free from the prejudices that had once held him back.
The father-son duo often heard taunts like, “Ladke naachte nahi hai ( ).” Yet, Rahul and Bharat never allowed society to impose such stereotypes on them.
Mocked and ridiculed by relatives and neighbours, Rahul turned to dance as his sanctuary — a powerful outlet that allowed him to rise above judgement and express himself fully.
“Earning respect or even finding a job felt impossible,” Rahul recalls, reflecting on the immense challenges he faced because of the to pursue. These struggles however became the catalyst for a significant shift in his life.
When Bharat was born, Rahul vowed to rewrite the narrative. Determined to ensure his son would not endure the same struggles, he began and Kuchipudi. Through these lessons, Rahul instilled confidence and a deep love for the art, untainted by shame.
But the journey was far from smooth. Bharat faced relentless bullying at school, enduring harsh taunts from his peers. Despite this, the father and son remained resilient, their commitment to dance unshaken. Together, they worked tirelessly, mastering intricate moves and techniques.
Today, the duo is breaking barriers, dancing their way to international stages. Their performances not only celebrate the rich heritage of classical dance but also challenge deeply ingrained gender stereotypes.
“Dance and dreams truly have no gender,” asserts Rahul, a sentiment that resonates through their inspiring story.
He proudly adds, “Our moves are , one beat at a time.”
Through their journey, Rahul and Bharat remind us that passion, perseverance, and love for the arts can transcend societal boundaries, paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting world.
Edited by Khushi Arora
The father-son duo often heard taunts like, “Ladke naachte nahi hai ( ).” Yet, Rahul and Bharat never allowed society to impose such stereotypes on them.
Mocked and ridiculed by relatives and neighbours, Rahul turned to dance as his sanctuary — a powerful outlet that allowed him to rise above judgement and express himself fully.
“Earning respect or even finding a job felt impossible,” Rahul recalls, reflecting on the immense challenges he faced because of the to pursue. These struggles however became the catalyst for a significant shift in his life.
When Bharat was born, Rahul vowed to rewrite the narrative. Determined to ensure his son would not endure the same struggles, he began and Kuchipudi. Through these lessons, Rahul instilled confidence and a deep love for the art, untainted by shame.
But the journey was far from smooth. Bharat faced relentless bullying at school, enduring harsh taunts from his peers. Despite this, the father and son remained resilient, their commitment to dance unshaken. Together, they worked tirelessly, mastering intricate moves and techniques.
Today, the duo is breaking barriers, dancing their way to international stages. Their performances not only celebrate the rich heritage of classical dance but also challenge deeply ingrained gender stereotypes.
“Dance and dreams truly have no gender,” asserts Rahul, a sentiment that resonates through their inspiring story.
He proudly adds, “Our moves are , one beat at a time.”
Through their journey, Rahul and Bharat remind us that passion, perseverance, and love for the arts can transcend societal boundaries, paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting world.
Edited by Khushi Arora