KOCHI: Two roads diverged in a wood, and he took the one less travelled by, which made all the difference. Thirty-five year old Parshwanath Upadhyee’s life is a testimony to these poetic words. The internationally-acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer was in the city for a workshop recently.
Upadhyee, a recipient of Natya Mayura award and other national recognitions conducted his first workshop in Kerala at Mamangam- The School of Dance owned by actor Rima Kallingal.
“I had a wonderful experience with the Malayalee students here. They are immensely talented and dedicated,” he said. He expressed his desire to take advanced Kalari classes on his next visit to Kerala.
Upadhyee, a native of Belgaum, Karnataka is trained in music, karate, swimming and kalari. He has also tried his hands in acting and has played a lead role in a dance based short-film. Classical dance has always remained his top priority. “My mother was the greatest influence in my life,” says Upadhye. He was trained under Ravindra Sharma in Mysore and later continued under the Kirans from Banglore.
Having two male dancers as gurus proved as a luck factor and drove away the inhibitions in mind, he added.Upadhyee after taking dance as a full-fledged profession in 2008, started his own dance school ‘Upadhyee School of Dance’ in 2010. He emphasised that every dancer grows when he/she shares their knowledge.
The dancer states though Natyashastra was written for peace and happiness, today it has become a source of name and fame. He pointed out that one should dance only when it gives them happiness. The young successful dancer is venturing into philanthropy too. Upadhyee’s dance school and dance company named ‘Punyah’ is providing free dance education and also conducts classes through social media for children who are unable to attend classes in dance schools due to various reasons.
“To strive for excellence, family support is vital and I am blessed to have supportive people around me”, Upadhyee said.His wife is also a dancer and works along with him. His son is also enthusiastic about dance and music.