In memoriam: Rasesh Thakkar
“Known as Rasesh-bhai to so many, it is unbelievably difficult to find the words to share the sad news of Rasesh Thakkar's passing while celebrating his extraordinary life. In partnership with his sisters Menaka and Sudha he was a driving force behind Nrytyakala – The Canadian Academy of Indian Dance; Menaka Thakkar Dance Company and Kalanidhi Fine Arts. These three organisations launched seminal shifts in the Canadian cultural landscape and the contributions that he made to dance in this country are still resonating today. I can’t help but imagine Rasesh and Sudha reunited in the after-life simply picking up their life’s work in a new realm. Surely Rasesh will be dreaming up epic dance dramas and haunting artists to fulfill their potential. His irreverent and self-deprecating sense of humour was steeped in humility, and he would always shine the spotlight on others. His flag waving for Indian dance forms, passion for cross-cultural collaboration and energetic support for new generations of Canadian artists were invaluable in the development of the rich and vibrant dance scene we currently inhabit. His impact on the big picture was tremendous, and what he did for my own journey, the trajectory of my work and Nova Dance was profound. He critiqued and complimented the work from a place of knowledge and enthusiasm and he always took pride in our accomplishments. Bhai translates to brother and friend – he personified this dual relationship – protecting and inciting, teaching, and learning. Rasesh-bhai we mourn you; we hold you in our hearts and we promise to keep your grace and spirit alive in our work. ”
I process loss and grief by writing letters, says Neena Jayarajan……
Dear Rasesh Bhai,
I will take with me, the tenacity with which you fought for the respect marginalized artists deserved. You were a visionary who told me 10 years ago, live streaming was the future! Here we are 2 years into a pandemic where presenting online is the only option. I have received many messages from artists who credit you with being the reason their careers began. Providing a professional platform to showcase new, old, controversial or traditional work, you and Sudha-ben invited them with open embraces filled with curiosity. May you continue to guide our lives from a place of eternal power and remember us the way we remember you. Kind, gentle, warm and welcoming. I will never forget your embraces and will cherish the last words you said to me forever. "We are always here for you, you are our daughter" .
With Love
Your Dance Daughter Neena
Sending love to all the dance daughters out there, who are feeling the void of losing this special man, and knowing he is filling it with love from afar.
“Since relocating to Toronto to embark upon my professional dance journey, one of the joys of performing had always been to meet and speak with Rasesh Bhai about the unfolding’s on stage. Always a complimentary word with a firm handshake, and ever ready to discuss at greater depth the philosophy of the poetry presented; I will forever be grateful for the kind words and opportunities that came to me by way of he and the Thakkar family. Menaka Thakkar Dance Company and Kalanidhi Fine Arts were instrumental in not only putting me in the same space as, but on the same stage as celebrated & legendary Indian artists who I'd otherwise not have had the chance to interact with in Canada. I offer my sincere condolences to the Thakkar family. Aatma shanthi."