International Dance Day: Sparsh Shrivastava – Dance isn’t just about movement, it’s about feeling every moment

Before Sparsh Shrivastava won over audiences with his portrayals of Sunny Mondal in Jamtara – Sabka Number Ayega and Deepak Kumar in Laapataa Ladies, he captured their hearts through dance. At just 11 years old, he was crowned the winner of dance reality show Chak Dhoom Dhoom and later performed on Shake It Up. Specialising in folk, Kathak, and Bollywood dance forms, Sparsh’s foundation in dance set the stage for his acting career.
Reflecting on his experiences, the actor credits his time in dance competitions for teaching him how to handle pressure. “Wow, those were like wild rides,” he recalls, adding, “Now that I look back, I was this kid trying to give his 110 per cent in every round, and learning so much just by being around other dancers. Those shows taught me how to handle pressure, how to perform in front of people, and how to stay grounded even when the lights are brightest. I didn’t just learn how to dance, I learned how to carry myself.”
Dance, which requires discipline and expression, shares many qualities with acting. Sparsh explains how he balances both crafts in his daily routine. He says, “It’s all about staying connected. I try to dedicate time to both. Sometimes it’s dancing at home, sometimes it’s working on scenes or attending workshops. Both require you to be present, patient, and honest. And thankfully, my mom keeps me grounded. She’s the one who reminds me that before the art, there’s the emotion and without emotion, none of it matters.”
On International Dance Day, he has a message for those who wish to pursue both acting and dance. He shares, “I would say don’t limit yourself. Don’t feel like you have to choose between dance and acting. Let your love for one art form spark curiosity for the other. Stay true to who you are and follow your heart. It’s your authenticity and passion that will connect you to your audience, no matter what you’re doing. Keep learning, keep pushing yourself, but most importantly, enjoy every step of the journey.”
He adds, “I am always reminded of the fact that it’s not just about movement but about feeling every moment. And hey, if you stumble, just call it an impromptu routine, it’s all part of the show! Keep dancing through life, because the best performances come when you least expect them.”