By Shantini Mogan
29 JANUARY:The Tamilan Lion Dance Team Rawang, also known as Persatuan Tarian Singa Tai Yen, is a shining example of breaking cultural barriers with the steadfast leadership of 39-year-old Achi Babu. For the past five years, this distinctive all-Indian lion dance troupe has been a regular presence at various cultural events, including Indian temple ceremonies, birthdays, and restaurant openings, gaining heightened demand during the Chinese New Year festivities.
The 15-member strong troupe, ranging in age from 10 to 43, exemplifies commitment and passion for their craft.Babu, the driving force behind this endeavour, shares a profound connection with the art form, emphasizing the importance of continuing his late sifu’s legacy. The troupe’s base at Rawang’s Sri Maha Thurkai Amman temple serves as a training ground, where members undergo rigorous three-hour sessions, blending drumming and lion dancing. Despite initial skepticism and personal hardships, Babu’s determination led to the revival of the troupe in 2020, rebranded and ready to defy expectations.
Babu, the inspiration for this project, has a strong bond with the art form and stresses the value of carrying on his late sifu’s tradition. Members of the company train in intense three-hour sessions that combine lion dancing and drumming at the troupe’s base at the Sri Maha Thurkai Amman temple in Rawang. Due to Babu’s perseverance, the troupe was relaunched and prepared to defy expectations in 2020, despite early skepticism and personal struggles.Babu sees a future that goes beyond performances despite obstacles.
His goals include competing in the renowned Genting World Lion Dancing Championship and earning a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records.Each lion head used in the troupe’s performances is devoted to a particular Hindu deity, demonstrating a harmonic fusion of cultural aspects and demonstrating their dedication beyond mere entertainment.In addition to performing, Babu hopes to have a positive cultural impact and gain respect for his team’s distinctive fusion of innovation and tradition.
His steadfast dedication shows a deep affinity for the art form and a resolve to uphold and continue the tradition his late instructor left behind.
