Making the city dance through his rhythms

Subrath Sarkar isn’t just another name on a corporate roster, he’s a force of passion and rhythm. Hailing from the steel city of Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, he decided to trade the quiet charm of his hometown for the fast-paced life of Hyderabad in 2014. Fast forward nine years and today, he is making his mark as a senior loan document specialist at Wells Fargo. But don’t let the spreadsheets fool you—when he’s not sorting documents, he’s dancing through life, still staying true to his Kathak roots. Who says you can’t be a corporate pro and a  Kathak Luminary?
 His love for Kathak has always been a driving force in his life. In addition to his thriving corporate career, the Kathak Maestro has made a lasting impact in Hyderabad’s cultural scene. He founded Tarangini Kathak Kendra over five years ago, a dance school where students not only learn the intricate steps of Kathak but also grow as individuals. His  journey in Hyderabad has been a fulfilling one, marked by a seamless transition from student to professional. Having moved to the city with a clear purpose—to study and build a future—he finds himself reflecting on how smoothly the years have unfolded. “It’s been great,” he says, with a sense of contentment. The early days, balancing academic life with weekend dance classes, were challenging yet rewarding. Fortunately, the city’s infrastructure has made his daily routine manageable, with his office timings allowing for less stressful commutes, avoiding the usual rush of the city’s traffic.
One of the things he appreciates most about Hyderabad is its climate. Coming from Chhattisgarh, where the weather can be extreme, Hyderabad’s moderate temperatures offer a refreshing change. “It’s neither too hot nor too cold,” he says, describing the city’s year-round pleasantness. This balance of weather, combined with the city’s laid-back vibe, has made Hyderabad feel like home. Yet, it’s not just the weekdays that Subrath enjoys; he looks forward to the weekends with enthusiasm. Every Friday, he eagerly anticipates the next two days—Saturday and Sunday—when he can dedicate time to his true passion, Kathak. Those days become a personal retreat where he reconnects with his dance and his students, finding joy in both his art and career.
When he first considered moving to Hyderabad, he had his share of concerns, like anyone else venturing into a new city. However, his apprehensions were quickly put to rest once he settled in. “Transport-wise, it’s very good,” he says, emphasising the city’s well-developed infrastructure. The introduction of the metro system, he notes, has made commuting across the city much easier. Additionally, local buses are readily available, making travel convenient for everyone.
For those who are more concerned about safety, especially women, he points out that Hyderabad offers reliable cab services for employees working in multinational companies. The added benefit of home pick-up and drop facilities ensures peace of mind for many.
What stood out to him, though, was the warmth and support of the people. “I have lots of local friends here,” he shares, reflecting on the kindness he’s received from the city’s residents. “They are always there for me and if I’m in any trouble, they would be ready to help me at any time.” The sense of community, he says, is one of the city’s greatest assets, making his transition into Hyderabad not only smooth but genuinely welcoming.
He describes a stark contrast between his hometown, Bhilai and Hyderabad, especially when it comes to the city’s infrastructure. In Bhilai, he notes, the tallest buildings are only three stories high, with much of the city still made up of ground-floor homes. These homes often come with backyards or courtyards, offering ample space for gardens and a more laid-back lifestyle. Hyderabad, on the other hand, is a bustling metropolis with tall buildings and a much faster-paced life.
He also shares a personal anecdote about the differences in daily life, particularly when his mother visits Hyderabad. “She always struggles to find fresh vegetables here,” he says. The supply of vegetables in Hyderabad, according to Subrath, is often dependent on imports from far-flung areas or other states, making it more difficult to find the same freshness he would back home in Bhilai. This, for him, is a small yet noticeable difference in the rhythm of life between his two cities.
When asked about what comes to his mind when he thinks of Hyderabad, he mentions the iconic biryani, a dish synonymous with the city. However, he quickly adds, “For your kind information, it’s been two years since I have become vegetarian,” showing how his perspective on Hyderabad’s food scene has shifted.
Yet, his most poignant memory of the city isn’t the famous cuisine but the community he’s built. He reflects on the time during the pandemic when he was away from Hyderabad for nearly a year and a half, back in his hometown. “I was missing one thing, which is my class,” he says with a touch of emotion. For him, his dance class is more than just a place to practice; it’s a second home where he connects with people, shares laughter and sometimes even tears. “We dance, we cry, everything together, all at one place,” he adds, emphasising the deep bonds he has formed there.
His vulnerability comes through as he admits, “I was very much afraid about the communication,” since English was the primary medium of instruction at his new college, and he was not yet proficient in Telugu. Despite these initial fears, he acknowledges how his peers helped him navigate this linguistic barrier. “They made me very comfortable with what I knew and what they knew. Through collaboration, we managed to understand each other’s feelings,” he recalls. He believes that sometimes, small gestures can have a big impact. “Not a lot of help is required; small things can make bigger changes.” For him, it was the little things—patience, understanding and support—that made all the difference in adapting to the city and its culture.
When asked about his favourite places to visit in Hyderabad, he shares how his schedule is quite structured. “Monday to Friday, it’s office; Saturday to Sunday, it’s class time,” he explains. His weekends are particularly special, though, as Sunday evenings are reserved for his devotion to Krishna Consciousness. “I am a devotee of ISKCON,” he adds with a sense of calm, noting that no matter what, Sunday evenings are spent at the temple, where he dedicates 3-4 hours to chanting and prayer. This spiritual practice has also led him to make a significant lifestyle change. “After joining ISKCON, I have left eating non-veg,” he says, highlighting the profound impact it has had on his life.