Says G Nirmesh, the creative head of Ram's Step Up Dance Company(RSU) and also the founder of Royal Style Unit which is one of the earliest hip-hop crews in South India. He gives tips for aspiring hip-hoppers A A

Purnima Sriram

What is your typical day like? My day starts at six in the morning and the first thing I do is practice kung-fu, later attend my animation classes / any other classes till 1.00 pm followed by my afternoon dance practice till 4.00 pm. I give dance classes till 8.00 pm and finally spend some personal time in training myself for my world championship till 10.00 pm.

When did you start your career? I started my career in dancing at the age of 19, studying and teaching dance at RSU Dance Company. It was a hideous path in the early years because I was self taught and finding a good teacher in this stream, especially, in a place like Hyderabad was hope less. I had to educate myself through online resources and by attending workshops conducted by some dancers in the world. For this I had to travel all over to Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi once in a year. And this was the root for changing my perception about learning and teaching procedures, and I decided to take up the task of spreading hip-hop in Hyderabad.

What is your good day and bad day like? I seriously do not believe that there can be bad days. I am quite an optimistic person. In my life a good day is when I dance, practice for hours and then relax a bit by either, reading a book, composing music and designing some computer graphics.

What qualifications are required to become a good hip hopper? There is no such qualification required for a good hip-hop dancer/ artiste. In my opinion the only qualification that hip-hop needs is indestructible will-power, crave for endless knowledge to know about one-self. The foundation of hip-hop is pure selflessness to share knowledge that you learned.

What skills help one make a good hip hopper? From a dancer's point of view, good knowledge about the culture of hip-hop, very strong grip over the basics, good knowledge in music are the main skills required. The worst misconception people have is that hip-hop requires extreme flexibility and strength in the body. However, the truth is that just physical and mental fitness helps. Other talents that a hip-hop dancer should have are ability to produce graffiti, beat boxing, emceeing, DJs, rapper's creativity and powerful observation skills will be the key.

Message for aspiring hip hopper? Do not let physical or mental limitation stop you. Don't ever give up on your dreams!