Radha Prajapati is a 28-year-old dancer from Jhansi who is paving the way forward for Rai, a traditional dance form from Bundelkhand. She started training in dance at a young age, partly out of her interest but also to support her mother financially after her father’s death. Her mother worked as a cook to help the children, but since Radha started performing, she claims to have never had any financial difficulties.
She is passionate about learning as many art forms as she can. She trained in Kathak for a while under the guidance of Krishnakanth Jha, and she sings in live shows and recordings. She lent her voice to election campaign songs this year. To add to her talents, she has also modelled in Indore and even acted in a Bhojpuri film. She also designs costumes and takes special care in creating dresses for her Rai performances.
Despite her many commitments, she considers promoting Rai her primary ambition. She takes inspiration from Punjabi and Haryanvi singers and dancers, who have created their space in the mainstream and are recognisable household names today. She dreams of doing the same for Bundeli folk culture and promoting it nationally and internationally. Having already performed abroad at Dubai Expo, she now targets to bring Rai’s performances to films and web series. She also wishes to record her album in the Bundeli language with a leading record label someday.
- Bundelkhand
- Uttar Pradesh