Angad Hasija: Dance should always be respected

Dance reels have taken over social media, and how? And while they are quite entertaining, they also present dance in a humorous way. And actor Angad Hasija, who is currently seen in Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye, is not in favour of dance being presented in that way. 

Speaking on the occasion of International Dance Day, which is observed on April 29, he said, “Dance has been popular for so many years, so it's natural that it's now a part of social media reels. However, it seems to be presented in a more humorous way nowadays. I believe that dance should always be respected, not just by influencers, but by everyone, because it's an ancient part of our culture dating back to the time of gods and goddesses. It's been modernized today, but its purity remains, and it's even growing. Dance and music touch people's hearts, and I have a lot of respect for that.”

Angad, who confessed that he enjoys dancing to Sufi songs, also believes that dance sequences are a big part of not just the big screen but also the small screen too. He said, “Indeed, dance sequences have always been a part of old movies, they still exist in films today, and even the TV industry has caught up with them. They add a unique flavor to the scenes and bring the audience closer to the actors. So, dance sequences do matter a lot, as they have a special way of captivating the audience.”

The actor, who made his TV debut with Sapna Babul Ka…Bidaai, also stressed that it is very important for actors to know the art of dance. “The contemporary dance form is my favorite, and it suits my body language well. When I participated in the reality show Zara Nach Ke Dikha with Star Plus, I realized that I can manage to dance a bit, and my preferred style is contemporary. It's important for everyone, not just actors, because it's a kind of meditation where your focus shifts entirely to your body language, the dance, and the music,” he said. 

“It's like a practice because in ancient cultures, dancing was taught, including Indian dance forms and Sufi practices, which involved meditation through dance. So, dance is a holistic activity that gives you a mental boost and guides you in a different direction. For me, dance is very important, and in fact, it's important for everyone if you really think about it,” he added.

So, have you taken any formal training in dancing? “I've always loved dancing, and I've always had a strong desire to join dance classes and dance. When I came to Bombay in 2005, I even joined dance classes with Habiba Rahman. She helped me improve my dancing skills at one point, and I've always wanted to keep learning because dancing brings me so much joy. If I were to rate myself, I'd say I'm a 5 out of 10 dancer, but I have a passion for it. I've performed at many award functions, and my favorite dance style is contemporary,” Angad ended.