The underground dance culture is where I belong: Faria Abdullah

Faria Abdullah’s debut film, Jathi Ratnalu, which released in March this year, was a blockbuster. The comic caper saw people flocking theatres after the first wave of pandemic.“Although we were thrilled with the success, unfortunately we went into the second lockdown soon after,” reveals the actress, who is set to commence shooting for her next film in October.

When the heart beats for dance

A zoom into Faria’s Instagram account, which is filled with posts that show off her amazing dance moves, would give anyone an idea of how passionate she’s about grooving. A regular at the Hyderabad’s underground dance set up, Faria also organises workshops, events and jams. As for the underground dance scene in the city, Faria tells us that although in its nascent stage, the dance culture is slowly growing.

“I think more people are taking it to these styles of dances to unleash themselves,” she says, adding that the scenario is slowly getting back to where it used to be post the pandemic. According to her, although post COVID-19 people did find a new way to express their love for dancing online, the euphoria (celebration) and feeling of togetherness that’s associated with dancing was missing.

Finding her groove

Faria, a mass communication graduate, has been into underground dance for seven years. Her first tryst with dance was when she watched her seniors performing break-dance and stare dance at their graduation.

“I was always inclined towards dance since childhood. But when I first saw it live, I was instantly hooked to this culture and wanted to be part of it,” she says. Faria eventually picked up hip-hop, belly dance, waacking, house, b-boying and tutting. “I even started attending jams, dance battles and gigs, and have been exploring more through the underground dance scenario. Soon, I felt like I belonged to this underground dance fraternity,” adds Faria, stating that dance was always her first love.

Acting, a natural progression

Be as it may that dance is a natural part of her life, Faria admits that films are something she found appealing too. In fact, she believes that performing arts cannot be categorised. “I believe I’ve chosen the right path to get into showbiz because to me acting is a natural progression from dancing.” These jams, underground battles, etc. evoke emotions in people and curate moods and make them want to be different,” she adds.

"I began doing films, which I feel is an extension of my underground dance, and I believe both can complement each other and help me in understanding arts better," she says, signing off.