Ever since he was a child, Uttar Pradesh's Suraj Kumar felt a strong inclination towards dance, even though others considered it ‘unmanly’.

Image courtesy Suraj Kumar

He was no stranger to judgement, as his love for Kathak clashed with societal expectations of masculinity. "What is a boy doing with ghungroos?" people often questioned.

He grew up and settled into a typical job. But a chance visit to a dance recital triggered a nostalgic longing for the dance that had once captivated his heart.

Image courtesy Suraj Kumar

Inspired, he began learning freestyle dance and, despite family objections, quit his job. For Suraj, it was a simple choice: "Either I succeed in dance, or I do nothing."

Seeking to deepen his understanding of Kathak, Suraj enrolled at Sangam Kala Sanstha, where he had the privilege of studying under the renowned Pandit Rammohan Maharaj.

Image courtesy Suraj Kumar

For Suraj, Kathak was more than just a dance form; it was a medium of self-expression, a way to defy societal expectations and prove that dance, like any other pursuit, knows no gender boundaries. Men, too, can embody grace and beauty.

He toured extensively across India, performing in cities like Gangtok, Jammu, and Uttar Pradesh. Ironically, the very people who had once mocked him now sought him out, eager to witness his performances and capture moments on camera.

Image courtesy Suraj Kumar

Suraj's courage and conviction have earned him prestigious awards like the 'Abhinav Kalawant Samman' and 'Nritya Shree Award', silencing the doubts of those who once questioned his passion.

Today, he mentors young dancers, inspiring them to pursue their passion without fear of societal expectations. "Follow your heart, but prove its worth," he advises, drawing from his own experiences.

Image courtesy Suraj Kumar

“Classical dance has been in our DNA for centuries. It is not something foreign or strange. The question is if we are proud of it!” says Suraj Kumar