Rashan Samsul

🪔 About

Samsul Labdeen Mohomad Rashan, known as Rashan Samsul, is a prominent Sri Lankan-Australian classical dancer specializing in Bharatanatyam and Kandyan dance. He began his dance journey at the age of 10, learning Kandyan dance in Sri Lanka, where his school teacher, Indrani Hemalatha, recognized his talent and made him a principal dancer in her troupe. Rashan achieved early success, winning first prize in an all-Island dance competition hosted by Swarnavahini TV channel. He later pursued Bharatanatyam, training under Guru Vasuki Jagadeeswaran in Colombo before gaining admission to the esteemed Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai, India. Notably, he was admitted directly into the second year after an interview with Guru Leela Samson. At Kalakshetra, he further honed his skills under the tutelage of Srijith Krishna, Shali Vijayan, and Suryanarayana Moorthy. Rashan Samsul holds the distinction of being the first Muslim Bharatanatyam and Kandyan dancer in Sri Lanka, a path he pursued despite societal disapproval within his community, viewing Bharatanatyam as divine. Before relocating to Australia, his 'Pravaha Foundation' conducted dance classes in three towns, including Colombo, Sri Lanka. Since moving to Melbourne, Australia, Rashan has continued his dedication to dance. He teaches and performs across Melbourne with his company, Pravaha Dancing Foundation, which is committed to promoting Sri Lanka's rich dance heritage through education, training, and performances in both Bharatanatyam and Kandyan dance. He is also the director of Samsul Creation, an event planning and decor company. Awards & Honours: First prize in an all-Island dance competition.