Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)
Udupi, Sep 30: People in the coast remember Tiger dancers when Navaratri and Mahanavami festivals approach. Men in costumes looking like tigers can be seen dancing in unique way on roads and roundabouts increasing the attraction of festival. There was a custom that only men should wear those costumes. But now contrary to the tradition, a ‘female tiger’ is making her presence felt.
She is Sushma Raj. She also has demand in films. She looks like real tigress in the costumes.
She is the younger daughter of Udupi resident artiste Ashok Raj and Radha couple.
The tiger dance was in her blood. Her father has been training tiger dancers for the last thirty years.
Sound of drums since childhood
Sushma Raj says that she used to hear the sound of drums since childhood and danced to its beats. She had danced for the first time when she was four years old with her elder sister Preethi Raj to the beats of tiger dance in Shirur Math. She says that the sound of claps and words of appreciation there still echo in her ears.
She got recognized in reality show of a private TV channel later and was named ‘Tiger Girl.’
Sushma passed her primary and high school education in Udupi and later did graduation in animation engineering. She worked in a multi-national company for two years after that. Subsequently she acted in films and serials including ‘Masti Gudi’. She has been busy in various activities including modelling, VJ in private channels and other activities these days.
Her father has worked hard to preserve and promote the culture of tiger dance. “I have come forward to continue the tradition. There are several changes taking place in tiger dance. My father has brought about novelty in the art. The colour used in the costumes also has changed. I am making a small attempt to preserve tiger dance,” Sushma says proudly.
On the whole we can be glad that a tigress is contributing immensely in preserving the culture of coastal Karnataka.