At 17, when a young Hidayath Ahamad from Bengaluru was first captivated by Dollu Kunitha (drum dance), the vibrant folk dance of Karnataka, he had no inkling that this art form would shape his destiny. Now at 35, this double postgraduate in Commerce and Performing Arts from Bangalore University basks in his role as a celebrated Dollu Kunitha artist, with his fame transcending state and national borders.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Hidayath vividly recalls the early days when he had to conceal his passion for Drum Dance from his parents. In 2009, while attending a training camp organized by Mathrubhoomi Yuvakara Sangha at his college, he was forced to lie about attending special classes to pursue his newfound love. “I knew my parents wouldn’t approve of my involvement in Dollu Kunitha because it’s mainly associated with the Hindu religion. But my attraction to this dance form was so strong that I couldn’t resist. Today, I am incredibly grateful for those lies because without that training, I wouldn’t have achieved the stature, name, and fame that I enjoy today as a Drum Dance folk artist,” Hidayath shares.
The path to mastering this folk art was riddled with challenges. Hidayath’s resilience and unwavering determination helped him navigate through numerous obstacles. Even when a close friend spread false narratives, claiming that Hidayath’s pursuits were unacceptable to their community, he remained steadfast. The criticism peaked in 2012 when his father fell ill and eventually passed away. Some people linked his father’s sickness to his involvement in an art form from another religion. Despite the snide remarks and harsh judgments, Hidayath stayed true to his passion.