It is no surprise that dance can reduce stress, improve flexibility, and, even make you smarter. Deepak Rawat, known as B-boy Demon in New Delhi’s dance circle, is no more defined by his vitiligo. And, Dance has something to do with his transformation. Today, Deepak uses dance as a niche form of psychotherapy to heal his mind, body, and soul.
Deepak must have been about five years old when he had his first encounter with vitiligo. The 21-year-old dancer recalls, “I always had friends and family standing by me. They were supportive and provided me with the needed support. But, I often came across kids who called me Ghost. Looking back, today I laugh at it and consider it really funny.”
Deepak says it took him a long time to get used to living with the chronic skin disorder. It was dance that helped him navigate the path of self-acceptance and inspired him to look beyond his vitiligo. Investing in expression, aesthetics, physicality, and skill assisted Deepak with crusading emotional and behavioral challenges.
Deepak still struggles with “Why me?” question, but most of the time, he is proud of the fact that he looks different from everyone else. The young dancer no more sees vitiligo as a part of the problem, but part of his personality. This could be one of the reasons why he is indifferent to annoying questions and strange stares: “I don’t care what people commonly get wrong about my vitiligo. I don’t give anyone unwanted attention and hence don’t allow them to wreck my confidence.”
Just like many other vitiligo crusaders featured in the series, Deepak too feels that vitiligo is underrepresented in books and movies. But, this shouldn’t stop anyone from pursuing his/her dreams. He shares a powerful message with fellow vitiligo fighters: “Just do, what you like. Enjoy the fact that you look different. When everyone looks the same, you have the advantage of standing out in the crowd. So, consider yourself someone really interesting and special.”
Today, Deepak has created a niche for himself in New Delhi’s breakdancing scene. He is known for his excellent dancing moves, not his vitiligo. This can only inspire many to be indifferent to vitiligo. Unite For Vitiligo is extremely happy to have Deepak featured as a Vitiligo Crusader. We hope he continues to inspire young vitiligo fighters who are struggling to look beyond their vitiligo.