Sixteen and soaring: Gur Rehmat Majithia's solo Kuchipudi debut celebrates a decade of devotion
“Stop cribbing and don’t give up. This is going to be the best experience of your life.”
These are the words sixteen-year-old Rehmat Majithia wishes she could say to her six-year-old self—the little girl who had just entered into the world of Kuchipudi.
Gur Rehmat Majithia now stands as a dedicated Kuchipudi dancer, having trained for a decade under the guidance of the legendary dance duo, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardees Dr. Raja Reddy and Dr.Radha Reddy, as well as Kaushalya Reddy at the Natya Tarangini, a performing arts centre in Delhi. The Reddys are a couple known for their immense contribution to Indian classical dance, and are considered the torchbearers of Kuchipudi, not only preserving the dance form, but also taking it forward to both the national and international level.
Rehmat began her journey at the age of six, and after ten years of disciplined learning, she stepped onto the stage for her first solo performance that lasted over an hour. Preparations for this started four months ago, and the final months saw her practicing and perfecting her movements for nearly seven hours a day.
Kuchipudi, a classical dance form originating from Andhra Pradesh, is essentially storytelling in motion. It involves expressive facial gestures, intricate footwork, lyrical storytelling, and dramatic expression. What makes Kuchipudi distinct is its theatrical roots, where performers often portray characters through dance and sometimes even speak dialogues, merging the boundaries between dance and drama. One of its most iconic elements includes dancing on a brass plate, showcasing rhythm, balance, and supreme control: qualities Rehmat displayed with the utmost grace.
Gur Rehmat's recital in Delhi opened with a traditional Ganapati Vandana (a prayer to Lord Ganesha). It was followed by Jathiswaram in Athana Raga and Adi Taal. Next came the powerful Dasavataram, performed in Mohana Raga and Tisra Triputa Taal. This item narrated the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, often called the Preserver in Hindu mythology. Rehmat portrayed each avatar with an exquisite blend of bhava (emotion) and taal (rhythm), showcasing all the avatars with a fierce and graceful presence. This segment stretched nearly ten to fifteen minutes, and even as her breath quickened, her composure never faltered, and she kept moving with quiet strength and poise.
Her next performance was on ‘Chaap Tilak Sab Cheeni’, a devotional poem by Amir Khusro, rendered in Hindavi. Rehmat's expression and grace brought the spiritual romance of the composition to life.
The recital was concluded with Tarangam, one of the most celebrated pieces in the Kuchipudi dance, performed in praise of Lord Krishna. This segment involved dancing on the rim of a brass plate while maintaining complex footwork in perfect harmony with fast-paced Carnatic music. It was a beautiful display of balance, rhythm, and endurance. Rehmat’s years of dedication shone bright through every movement.
At the end of the performance, Rehmat said: “I can’t believe I finished it.”
She performed in the presence of her Gurus, proud parents and grandparents, and extended family—each person who had witnessed her journey stood beaming with pride. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who had supported her, especially her Gurus.
“It feels like a dream come true. I never imagined I’d get to learn from Padma Bhushan awardees. They’re not just teachers—they’re family. They treat me like their own.”
Rehmat is determined to take Kuchipudi dance further in her life.
“I want to continue this for the rest of my life,” she concluded. “It’s one of the biggest parts of who I am, and I’m so happy to have found it.”
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