A balancing act

Dancer Akram Khan, a British national of Bangladeshi origin, performed in the city recently as part of a six-city tour. The dancer, who is known for his moving pieces Kaash and also for his performance at the London Olympics 2012, in his new piece tried to enact Gandhari from the Mahabharata. The piece which was inspired by the queen who is famous for blindfolding herself for her blind husband, was much more than what she appeared, he says. “Gandhari was a highly cultured and wise woman, and also very insightful. She knew that her son would cause the fall of the clan and also destruction but she chose to be a mother and let him live,” says Akram. “I think that she blindfolded herself as a form of rebellion. It was her way of telling the world that since they made her marry a blind king, they would get a blind queen.”
   
Getting backing for one’s work as an artiste can be hard, admits Akram who had visited India with his troupe — the Akram Khan Dance Company. “Getting sponsors is not just about who’s funding you or your company. It is about building a relationship, a dialogue,” he says, adding, “Our sponsors have to be people who believe in us. They should understand that we are artistes, performers.”
 
Akram feels that while India has a lot of talent, it lacks a proper channel. “Reality shows are real talent houses. But in the end it all becomes a money-making business. That’s not art,” says Akram.

“The priority for an artiste should be maintaining his integrity, loving his style, respecting his body. I wouldn’t do anything unless I feel like doing it. That is the main skill in balancing art with business.” He adds, “The last time I came to Mumbai I found the audience watching the performance with a clenched fist; not wanting to learn, not taking it in. But I think they have opened up a little now.”