Who is Aakash Odedra?
“Who am I?” is more of a quest for me than a question. Sometimes I feel like the fragments of my experiences make me who I am, but I often ask myself the question that if I were to take away all that I am familiar with, then what remains? Who is the real Aakash – a dancer, a student, a son? During my morning meditation, I try to focus on finding the essence, the uncontaminated, uninfected energy that is free from conditions; one may call it the soul. Aakash Odedra is in my opinion the external identity. Deep beneath this lies the true self, one that cannot be described in words but only felt. I share that true self through the medium of dance.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Everyday feels like a game of snakes and ladders. You take two steps forward, three back; and some days the opposite – you just glide ahead effortlessly. So for me I feel every day is like climbing a mountain; when you think you’ve reached the top it ends up being the bottom of another mountain. It’s also important for me to be in the “now”, the present, and not to dwell on the past but to embrace each moment and value it for what it is – good and bad.
Who inspires you and why?
I am inspired by so many people like Kumudini Lakhia, Aditi Mangaldas, Rani Khanam – all kathak legends. I am equally inspired by life, animals, and nature because I feel if you listen sensitively there is a message for you every day. I carry those messages and energies into my work and day.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I feel that I may not be able to change the world through dance, but I may change an individual’s perspective or help people feel their lives differently. Dance has the power to move people because it’s a language without words, it does not to belong to a nation. It belongs to humanity. I truly believe it is the language of the soul. And in this dark world we all need hope. Dance creates a world which is full of hope and possibilities.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I love Switzerland because I feel it is like an oasis unaffected by the world. Sometimes we all need a break from the harsh realities of life to go to a place to rejuvenate and I feel Switzerland allows the mind, body and soul to breathe.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
When friends come to town, I like to bring them home and show them some true British Asian hospitality. My home is my temple; it is an escape for me and many other artists. It’s always buzzing with the energies of many artists that live with me. I also love nature; so, if the weather is good, we go for walks in the countryside behind my home. It’s a magical place, understated but England’s best kept secret.
What are you currently reading?
I have been trying to finish reading a book called Asura: Tale of the Vanquished for the past 4 years!
What are you currently listening to?
I am currently obsessed with the music Rushil Ranjan makes. It’s called the orchestral Qawwali. It is an incredible combination of the best of the East and West. It is spiritual, moving, imaginative and hopeful. It never seems to get old, even though I hear the songs on repeat!
Happiness is?
Happiness is the sense of contentment; being happy with what one has, not trying to fulfil the void constantly but instead accepting who you are and where you are.
What does the future hold for you?
The future is uncertain but that’s not a negative thing. I embrace it, any tests, trials, triumphs, or loss are welcome. Everything happens for a reason. I just would like to learn and grow gracefully into the future.
Aakash is the choreographer of Little Murmur – which is currently playing at Arts Centre Melbourne until 4 August, before playing the Sydney Opera House (9 – 10 August), Darwin Entertainment Centre (17 – 18 August) and Adelaide Festival Centre (21 – 24 August).
Image: Aakash Odedra – photo by Kuldeep Goswami | Aakash Odedra Company