Dancing Beyond Boundaries: Eshan Hilal’s Journey of Breaking Stereotypes
Eshan Hilal, a 30-year-old from Delhi, has achieved a remarkable feat as India’s first professional male belly dancer. He is a seasoned performer, choreographer, and fashion model, who fearlessly embraces a dance form traditionally associated with women, weaving in undertones of seductive femininity into his unique performances.
Eshan defies conventions with every sway of his hips. As the music fills the air, Eshan’s body becomes a canvas of flowing artistry. With each graceful swirl and spin, he paints a picture of mesmerizing beauty, his arms and legs adding a touch of elegance to the rhythm of his belly and hips. This dance transcends conventions, embracing emotions that defy societal norms of gender. It’s a celebration of freedom, expressing the soul’s joy through movement and breaking barriers with every step. Eshan’s performance is a testament to the power of passion and the courage to embrace one’s true self, regardless of the judgments that may come.
From a young age, Eshan was hooked on dancing while watching Bollywood songs on TV. This made him fall in love with dance deeply. He enjoyed dancing and loved performing at gatherings, spreading joy with his graceful moves. Despite facing mockery due to his effeminate nature and disinterest in sports, he remained determined to pursue his love for dancing. However, as he grew older, his family’s support for his dance aspirations waned, leading to a challenging and isolated childhood marked by bullying and criticism.
Despite his mother’s initial disapproval and financial obstacles, Eshan Hilal persisted in his passion for Kathak, an Indian classical dance. He taught himself the basics and found a free teacher who mentored him for six years. He found solace and empowerment in Kathak that allowed him to embrace his feminine side. Nevertheless, his family’s disapproval escalated, pushing him to take a significant step at the age of 14 – he ran away from home to pursue his dance passion even further.
At the age of 18, Eshan tried to give up dancing to conform to his parents’ wishes and suppressing his true passion. He attempted to change himself and even tried playing cricket, though he wasn’t good at it. However, a conversation with his mother became the turning point, reassuring him that he was accountable to no one but Allah. This realization helped him overcome doubts and fears, understanding that dance is not wrong, but rather our interpretation of religion that may be flawed.
Along the way, he discovered two international male belly dancers who deeply inspired him with their artistry, igniting a fascination for the dance form within him. Under the guidance of Meher Malik, Eshan embarked on a journey of belly dancing at the Banjara School of Dance in Delhi. In 2016, he showcased his talent with Malik’s group in China and achieved the impressive feat of being the second runner-up in an international oriental dance competition held in Guangzhou, a vibrant city in southern China.
Eshan’s talent shone through all the hurdles as he gained recognition through his performances on reality television shows. Today, he graces corporate events with his mesmerizing performances and conducts workshops across the country, earning accolades and admiration for his dance prowess. In 2017, India Today acknowledged him as one of the country’s top 10 modern icons.
Eshan’s journey has not been without its share of challenges. Social media, while playing a pivotal role in his rise to fame, also subjected him to disparaging comments about his sexuality. Still, he remains steadfast in his belief that dance is an expression of emotions that transcends gender or sexual orientation. Belly dancing taught him to accept and love himself, recognizing that there is no perfect body, size, or color. It empowered him to embrace his true self and find beauty in his own unique way.
As a pioneer in the realm of male belly dancers, Eshan is inspiring many to embrace unconventional life choices without fear. One of his students, Aayushi Bhatnagar, praises his unique fusion of Kathak and belly dancing, applauding his ability to break down techniques for smooth, fluid movements.
In spite of his remarkable achievements, Eshan’s family continues to disapprove of his chosen profession. Yet, he clings to hope that one day, they will come to accept and embrace his passion for dance. Driven by the belief that dance is divine, Eshan’s journey stands as a testament to the power of passion and determination in overcoming societal prejudice.
From a young boy enchanted by Bollywood melodies to India’s first professional male belly dancer, Eshan’s story exemplifies the transformative power of art and the human spirit. His graceful moves break through gender barriers, encouraging a generation to shatter stereotypes and embrace their true selves with pride and conviction.
Throughout his journey, Eshan has persistently advocated for understanding and open communication between parents and children. Instead of imposing decisions, he encourages parents to support their children’s passions with love and guidance, fostering a more inclusive and accepting society.
With Meher Malik and Didem Kınalı as his favorite belly dancers, Eshan continues to challenge norms and pave the way for a future where dance is celebrated as a universal language of expression. His journey serves as an inspiration for individuals to break free from societal norms and embrace their passions wholeheartedly. Through his dance, Eshan Hilal is leaving a lasting impact on the world, showcasing the beauty of self-love, acceptance, and the transformative power of the arts.
Repurposed from the article originally published in SCMP.
