Episode Notes

Founder and director of Nrityam - The Kathak Studio and a founding member of the Layom Institute of Kathak, Nirajkumar Solanki is an MA in Kathak (Alankaar) and and his Gurus include Pt Rajendra Gangani ji, Bode Gurji, and Rahim Sheikh ji.

His major performances include Parush in Pune and Pryaas in Akola, Thane, and Pune. He's also a Senior Verbal Faculty and CRT (soft skills) trainer, equipped with a Master of Arts Degree in English Literature.

(0:01:16) Coming back to Kathak

(0:05:46) The logistics of returning to Kathak after a long break

(0:09:53) Keeping a prolonged interest in Riyaz

(0:12:53) Nrityam Kathak

(0:16:57) Different Teaching

(0:23:44) Finding time for Kathak for busy professionals

(0:28:58) Interest in English Language and Kathak

(0:34:44) Favorite Kathak books

(0:39:27) Tips for getting into reading

(0:42:50) The positve impact of reading

(0:44:07) The highs and lows of being a male dancer

(0:52:59) How to handle bullying

(0:56:24) Progressive Ideas in Kathak

(0:58:57) How does Kathak thrive in Pune?

(1:02:52) Most memorable performance

(1:07:02) The practicalities of making a full time career out of Kathak

(1:12:19) Costume selection and design

(1:16:53) Future Plans

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga