By Willie Gordon Suting
Dance cleanses the soul. It is an escape to revel in art. Palden Lama Mawroh and Daphisha Kharbani live up to this philosophy.
Both these young achievers have proved that through hard work, sincerity and struggle, one can make it to the big stage. Mawroh has made a name for himself as choreographer in reality shows and Bollywood. He was trained as a pilot in the Philippines and had worked in the field for some years. But dance was his true calling.
Being trained as a dancer from 14 years of age, he went back to his passion after he quit as pilot. “Dance brings me joy and gives me sense of satisfaction. I love creativity,” says the 28-year-old dancer.
As a child in school, Mawroh was an introvert. So his mother sent him to dance classes to open up. Later, he completed his schooling in Delhi. Mawroh, who resides in Nongshiliang, Malki, had his big break with India Dancing Superstar 2012 finishing fourth.
The year 2012 marked his return to dancing. In 2013, he was one of the finalists in Nach Baliye. Star Plus channel then appointed him as choreographer in Dance India Dance. “I had done over 15 or 20 reality shows. I had worked as choreographer in Dance India Dance, Jhalak Dikhla ja etc,” says the young choreographer.
Mawroh was first trained in ballet and contemporary dancing. But he stresses that versatility is the key to make a mark on a bigger platform and one has to master different genres of dancing.
When asked about his biggest achievement, he says, “It was finishing second last year in Super Dancer as choreographer for Masoom.”
This year Mawroh is still choreographing in the show for Nishti Sinha in which they have reached Top 9. Super Dancer is a reality show for children that is telecast on Sony Television every Saturday and Sunday at 8pm.
“Choreography is a totally different sphere from dance as one has to look after everything from hair, clothing, accessories, lighting etc. It is not just about dancing skills,” he says.
The judges, Shilpa Shetty, Anurag Basu and Geeta Kapur, had been very supportive to every contestant and choreographer. “It is a joy choreographing for children as we are like role models for them,” says Mawroh.
Magic in their steps
Mawroh had worked as an assistant choreographer in the song Baby Doll from the movie Ragini MMS starring Sunny Leone in 2015. Last year, he was the main choreographer for dance sequences in the movie Dil Jo Na Keh Saka. Mawroh believes in working hard and says his family has a lot of faith in him.
He says young budding dancers of Meghalaya should keep persevering and never give up.
Kharbani from Mawiongrim, Mawlai, says her journey to the big stage wasn’t easy. She had to struggle a lot with only her mother, who is a businesswoman, supporting the family.
Kharbani started dancing when she was four years old learning from her elder sister.
“My sister inspired me a lot. I look up to her,” she says.
Kharbani completed her schooling from St Joseph’s School, Jaiaw, and is now a student of Class XI in Church of God Higher Secondary School, Mawlai. She auditioned for Dance India Dance and later received a call.
The principal, upon knowing this, told her not to waste her talent and go ahead with the challenge.
Kharbani, who is self-taught, says her biggest achievement is finishing in the Top 10 in Dance India Dance this year. She also fondly recalls receiving a pin of appreciation from Mia Michael, the prolific Broadway and contemporary dancer, who came to the show.
“I watched videos of her on YouTube while I was training myself as a dancer. And to receive a pin for performing well from her hands was just special,”Kharbani exclaims on the phone.
The 16-year-old dancer says she practises from 10 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 10 pm every day. “I used to practise in a small room in our house in Mawiongrim. I had to really push myself all those years,” she says recollecting her days of struggle.
“Also I would like to thank Teibor Pathaw, MLA for his generous contribution,” she adds.
Kharbani’s specialisation are contemporary and jazz. But she also tries to be versatile doing other genres as well. Being untrained, she believes it added extra fire to push more. “I would like to thank my supporters who voted for me all the way to this stage. I am where I am because of them,” is her message to fans.
The judges, Mudassar Khan, Marzi, Mini and especially Mithun Chakraborty had always encouraged Kharbani to give her best with every performance. “Mithun was very nice to me. He had a lot of faith in me that I would do well in the competition,” she says.
Life after Dance India Dance is still bright for Kharbani as she plans to teach in dance institutes and regularly organise workshops. “I got offers from national and international dance institutes. I think I will go forth in joining,”Kharbani says.
When asked what is her message to young budding dancers of Shillong, she says, “Keep on pursuing your dreams for God is never blind to hard work!”
There had been many dancers from the state in recent years who had showed their mettle on the national stage participating in reality shows. But the government’s apathy had made them look for other means for support.
Both Mawroh and Kharbani believe in hard work, that this can pivot them to another universe. As young achievers in the field, they are an inspiration to many. Shillong takes pride in these dancers who are representing the community bringing laurels.
Government
support
When asked how the government should help dancers, Mawroh says, “They should give exposure to dancers. I believe this is important. I also request our people to support dancers and choreographers who compete in reality shows as we represent our community.”
Kharbani bats for more exposure on local platform. “They should come up with dance festivals and dance workshops like they help the ever evolving music scene,” she says.
Last year, the All Meghalaya Dancers’ Association had urged Chief Minister Mukul Sangma to recognise it as a government-sponsored body and provide financial assistance. In a memorandum to Sangma, the organisation had said 24 dancers from the State could not participate in the reality show, Rising Star, conducted by Colors TV last February 4 due to fund constraints.
“The government promotes cultural programmes and traditional dance but there is no help for western dancers. But this too is an art form. So why should we be neglected? Also, we had sought help from the government but there was no response,” says Satbir Singh of Ministry of Dance.
