Thashil had made an entrance into the world of performing arts at a tenger age of 6. He’s parents, Pravin & Anitha Tuckooriah, had enrolled him into the Natya Mohini Dance Academy led by Smt. Careshma Ramroop. Thashil was introduced to many dance styles, including Bharata Natyam, however he had grown fond of bollywood and displayed an interest towards Indian Modern Dance, which then became his speciality.

 

Thashil has steered and loved his talent to such a magnitude that he had won the South African National Junior Championship of Boogie Woogie (Indian dance extravaganza) in 2004, where he showcased his talent and ability to the song Mujse Shaadi Karonge. As a result, 7 year old Thashil had represented South Africa in the United Kingdom, London, where he competed with artists from around the world at the International Boogie Woogie final in 2005. The contest was judged by celebrities Naved Jafri and Ravi Behl, which was televised worldwide on Sony Entertainment Television Asia.

 

Ever since he had brought back the first Boogie Woogie trophy, the world of dance and performing arts has been in his oyster. Some of the highlights with Natya Mohini Dance Academy include, performing at the 1860 Settler celebration at the Moses Mabida Stadium and the Durban Soccer Fan Park in 2010. Thashil has also performed at Imbumba (we are together), an umbrella body for all forms of dance in the KZN province, which included all races, cultures and Nations. This was presented by KZN Dance Link at the Playhouse and Elizabeth Sneddon Theaters in years 2010 and 2011, respectively. Thashil is grateful for the years of experience at his former dance academy, as he believes the foundation and basics of his learning has molded him into the dancer that he has become.

 

In the year 2010, Thashil had joined current dance school Entertainment Spectacular, led by CEO Rohann Ramkissoon. Over the years the group has gained an immense amount of experience and exposure, performing all over South Africa and on several international platforms. Together with the team, they have performed for former president Mr Jacob Zuma on numerous occasions, including the 100 year anniversary of the ANC at Bloemfontein. They have also performed for several dignitaries, and for the Consulate General of India in Durban, embracing our culture and diversity.

 

Thashil has also performed for several fundraising events, religious and cultural organizations. Over the years, he had rendered performances for charity at the Child Welfare fairs, Feedy Needy and other Non-profit Organizations, and numerous temples in aid of building projects.

 

Thashil has had the privilege and honour to work with many bollywood choreographers and perform alongside a number of Indian television artists, bollywood singers and mainstream actors over the past years.

 

In 2013, Thashil was selected to perform at the launch and main event of the South African Indian Film and Television Awards (SAIFTA), held at the International Convention Center (ICC) arena in Durban. Over 150 prominent film and TV personalities walked the SAIFTA red carpet, along with the who’s who of the film and television industry from both countries. Being the youngest male dancer amongst the selected dancers, he was thrilled to utilize this opportunity to showcase his flair and live his dream of performing alongside bollywood artists. Thashil was trained by renowned bollywood choreographer Geeta Kapur and performed with leading artists Priyanka Chopra, Madhuri Dixit, Ranveer Singh, Siddhart Malhotra, Jacqueline Fernandez, etc.

 

In 2015, Thashil was ecstatic to share the stage with living legend Govinda, and perform to some of his iconic songs. In 2016, Thashil was blessed to perform at the Iconic Bollywood Night held at the ICC arena, where he rubbed shoulders with stars like Karishma Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, etc.

 

Thashil had become a dance instructor for one of the branches of Entertainment Spectacular in 2015. He’s aim was to pass on the knowledge of dance that he had gained over the years, with the several experiences that he was exposed to, and the numerous international choreographers and artists who he had worked with. Also, the purpose was to keep the passion and talent alive in the younger generation and to shape them into fine dancers, as they are the future of tomorrow. The classes are currently operating, having taught many enthusiastic students over the past nine years. Thashil tries to incorporate the many dance styles and techniques into his classes, where he focuses on encouraging being diverse, fit and flexible as a dancer. A school graduation show is held annually, where the students of all the branches of Entertainment Spectacular are presented with awards and a certificate of achievement for having completed a year of modern contemporary dance.

 

In 2018, Thashil was grateful and overjoyed to have been the runner up for the South Africa Dance Dewaane Extravaganza by Colors TV. It indeed had been an exciting experience for him to once again compete, after fourteen years, with such amazing talent that Durban South Africa had to offer. He thereafter aspired to make dance covers to share his passion with the world, in light to encourage and inspire more dancers to express themselves.

 

Thashil was delighted to render performances for charity, in support of the Kendra Old Age Retirement Home, at the annual showcase of the Eastern Bridal Fair & Lifestyle Expo, in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023. The shows were choreographed by international choreographers, and was featured on Sony Television and Mela on SABC 3.

 

Thashil was fortunate to be a background dancer in local blockbuster, Keeping up with the Kandasamy, the Wedding movie, which was released in 2019 in many movie theaters.

 

In 2019, Thashil was cast as the lead actor in Bombay Chasers, a Bollywood style theatre show which had a uniquely South African flare and feel to it, but reminiscent of a typical Bollywood movie. The story followed eight Durban dancers who experience the thrill of their lives when they win the opportunity to open the IPLT20 cricket in India through dance. The show, produced by Sumanth Singh, was an exciting challenge for Thashil, as it was a debut for him as an actor. However, he was grateful for the guidance from award winning director, Verne Rowin Munsamy. The dances were choreographed by bollywood performer Nisha Mahendra, who had worked with several A-list celebrities. The show was staged five times at Sibaya Izulu theatre, and was covered on several newspapers and TV features.

 

Apart from the artistic and creative aspect of Thashil’s life, he has also been academically excellent and a valedictorian. Being the head prefect at his primary school, he had scooped nine awards, including the DUX award in standard 5, 2009. He has two poems published in the Poetry Institute of Africa books. Moving on to high school, Thashil has achieved several awards, such as top student in the grade and the good fellowship award in standard 12 / matric, 2014. Thereafter, he completed his tertiary education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He has obtained a bachelor of science degree in Applied Chemistry, and an honors degree in Chemistry, qualifing as a chemist.

 

Thashil is fortunate for his journey of dance thus far, and he believes it’s only the beginning. He is appreciative for all the opportunities and experiences that contributed to his success in dance. However, if it wasn’t for the hard work, sweat and long hours of rehearsals, he wouldn’t have been the dancer he is today. Thashil aspires to conquer the world with dance, in light to spread happiness, inspire people, and more importantly to keep the passion alive. He still has more to learn, to grow and improve as dancer, and he knows that the right mindset and hardwork will lead him to achieve his goals.

 

Aum Namah Shivaya