‘To me he was rishiraj, sage Narada’

I MET Sunil bhai 30 years ago at Akademi, which was then known as Academy of Indian Dance. He was already an established historian, critic, guru, lobbyist and an established global impresario of Indian performing arts.

As a non-dancer, I was delighted to discover that he had cross art form connections (from Bhupen Khaker to the Jhaveri sisters) and he was passionately involved with a wide range of creators without any conservative bias.

Sunil bhai was a mobile encyclopaedia of Indian performing arts. Very soon I got engaged with his unparalleled and gregarious sense of humour, which led me to call him rishiraj meaning Narada, a sage from Hindu mythology.

Like Narada, he was the first dance journalist who almost encircled the performing arts universe ( Brahamand) and also had the blessings of the goddess of creativity (Saraswati). He had an unprecedented following in the global arts communities and played the role of a modern-day influencer.

Sunil bhai inspired many artists (junior and senior) to create as well as perform, and played the role of an initiator as Narada did to Valmiki while writing the Ramayana.

He was a single-minded honest conduit for many creative developments, between all parties.

Like Narada, he also accompanied many artists (manifestations of Vishnu) including Sonal Mansingh, Neelam Mansingh and Ratan Thiam on their global tours.

Sunil bhai was the ultimate champion of all possible shades and methods of communication in the world of arts and technology. He conquered the world with his laptop.

I have many hilarious memories of special moments of my interactions with this highspirited rambler which I will cherish as long as I live.

His devotion to the world of art will make him immortal (Chiranjeevi), like sage Narada.

Mira Misra Kaushik is an independent artist, producer and consultant.