Muskan Nagpal: I Didn’t Have to Struggle for Acceptance When I Chose Dance as My Profession [Kathak Dancer, Choreographer, India]

Muskan Nagpal Interview

 "I believe that success is truly meaningful only when it is accompanied by humility, authenticity, and staying grounded."

For Muskan Nagpal, dance is far more than a profession, it is the center of her life, shaping who she is on and off the stage. In this interview, she reveals why staying humble matters more than success, how unwavering family support shaped her journey, and why preserving Indian classical dance for future generations has become her greatest purpose.

Q. You have a large audience that admires and appreciates your work. However, beyond the dancer that people know online, how would you describe yourself as a Person?

Beyond the dancer people know online, I'm someone who values simplicity, genuine relationships, and staying true to myself. I'm quite emotional, and I believe dance has nurtured that sensitivity by helping me understand people, their emotions, and the beauty in everyday moments. 

I deeply admire hardworking individuals and always try to encourage and support them whenever I can. I find peace in nature, stay connected to my spiritual side, and believe in living with kindness and gratitude. While I'm deeply committed to my dreams and my work, I believe that success is truly meaningful only when it is accompanied by humility, authenticity, and staying grounded.

Q. We live in a world where only a handful of career paths are often considered conventional choices. How and when did you decide to become a dancer? Was there a particular moment that made you realize this was your calling?  

I think I realised it during my school days. Dance was the one place where I truly felt seen, appreciated, and understood. It gave me the freedom to express myself and embrace my individuality. The love and encouragement I received along the way gradually built my confidence, and I realised that dance wasn't just something I enjoyed—it was what made me feel most alive and fulfilled. That was the moment I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to it and pursue it as my profession.

Q. You have performed in many workshops & choreographed dances What was that experience and feeling like?

Every performance and workshop has been a deeply fulfilling experience for me. The most rewarding part is seeing my art connect with people on an emotional level. When someone tells me that my performance inspired them to dance or that a workshop helped them discover a new side of themselves, it brings me immense happiness. Knowing that I can inspire and motivate others to pursue what they truly love is incredibly meaningful to me. 

The love and appreciation I receive from my audience and students give me confidence and constantly remind me why I chose this path. Those moments make all the hard work, dedication, and countless hours of practice completely worthwhile.

Q. Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the future, both professionally and personally?

Professionally, I see myself becoming a more refined performer and choreographer, creating meaningful productions that have a positive impact on society. One of my biggest dreams is to make Indian classical dance, music, and culture more accessible to the younger generation. I hope to design workshops, lecture demonstrations, and educational initiatives that can reach not only major cities but also remote parts of the country, so that every child gets an opportunity to experience and appreciate our rich cultural heritage. 

Personally, I don't see a clear boundary between my personal and professional life because dance is at the center of everything I do. I wake up thinking about it and go to sleep thinking about it. Beyond my career, I simply want to remain happy, humble, and grounded. I want to spend quality time with my family, stay connected to my values, and continue finding peace and purpose through my journey.

Q. Today, you are a well-known and successful dancer & choreographer But when you first decided to pursue this profession, what were the reactions of people around you? Did you face any obstacles, and how did you overcome them?

I feel incredibly fortunate that I didn't have to struggle for acceptance when I chose dance as my profession. Although no one in my family comes from a background in dance or music, they trusted my passion and stood by my decision from the very beginning. My teachers, too, played a significant role in encouraging me and helping me believe in my potential. Like any unconventional career, some people questioned whether dance could be a long-term profession. 

But I never looked at those doubts as obstacles. I believed that the best way to respond was through consistent hard work and dedication. Over time, as they saw my journey, achievements, and the opportunities dance brought into my life, those questions gradually turned into appreciation. Looking back, I'm grateful for everyone who believed in me and even for those who doubted me, because they motivated me to keep striving for excellence

Q. Apart from work, is there a book, movie, or series that has brought you comfort or left a lasting impact on you that you would recommend to others?

To be honest, my schedule doesn't leave me with much time to read books or watch many films and series. But recently, I watched Michael, and it left a deep impact on me as an artist. What inspired me the most was his unwavering dedication to his craft. Despite facing constant struggles, criticism, and being misunderstood by many, he never stopped creating or compromising on his art. His pursuit of perfection, his relentless passion, and the impact he created through his work were truly remarkable. 

Beyond his artistry, I was also touched by his kindness and his deep love for nature. It reminded me that true artists don't just create—they inspire, stay authentic, and continue their journey despite every challenge. That was a very powerful takeaway for me.

Bio:

Muskan Nagpal, a dedicated and expressive Kathak performer with over 19 years of stage experience and 10 years in teaching and choreography. Trained under Pt. Jai Kishan Maharaj ji and Guru Rani Khanam ji at Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, she specialize in the Lucknow Gharana, with deep expertise in abhinaya, tala, Nritta, and Navarasa.

Honors & Awards:

Doordarshan Graded Artist, CCRT National Scholarship Awardee, Katha Nritya Sadhak Award, Empaneled Dance Director – Sahitya Kala Parishad, Spicmacay Empanelled

Solo Presentations:

TEDx organised by Delhi University, Utthan, Samridhi NGO, INTAC Forum, IIT Madras, Sanskar Bharati, Kathak Aamad Festival, Delhi, ISKCON – Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Utsav, Silver Jubilee – Kerala Samajam, Chandigarh, AAI Toda Tukda (Digital Festival), Annual Art Exhibition, Lalit Kala Akademi, Delhi, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – Classical solo tribute, Udaan Youth Festival, IGNCA, Delhi, International Performing Arts Festival.

 

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Interviewed By: Vanshika Gupta