Queen Harish |
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![]() Queen Harish during a dance performance |
| Born | Harish Kumar
1979 (1979)
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| Died | 2 June 2019(2019-06-02) (aged 39–40)
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| Cause of death | Road accident |
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| Occupation | Dancer |
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| Known for | Rajasthani folk dances |
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| Children | 2 |
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Harish Kumar (Hindi: रानी हरीश) (1979 – 2 June 2019), known as Queen Harish or Rani Harish, was a folk dancer and choreographer from Rajasthan, India. He worked to protect and promote Rajasthani folk dances like Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Chang, and Bhawai.[1]
Early life
Harish Kumar was born in 1979 in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, to a family of carpenters from the Suthar community.[1] He started dancing at age 13. After his parents died young, he began drag dancing to support his sisters.[2] Harish said,
“I am a man, who chooses to dance for a living. That's a reality that I will never ignore. I chose to make the Queen part more regal and not comical.”[3]
Inspired by 'Annu Master,' who performed the first drag dance in Jaisalmer, Harish learned from him.[1] He also practiced American tribal style belly dancing and pole dancing to master feminine movements.[2]
Career
Harish performed Rajasthani dances like Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Chang, Bhawai, and Chari in over 60 countries.[4][5] He taught choreography to more than 2,000 students in Japan.[5] His performances were highlights at events like the Jaipur Literary Mela, the Raqs Congress in Brussels, the Belly Dancing Festival in Seoul, and Desilicious in New York City.[6][7] In 2010, he was a semi-finalist on the reality TV show 'India's Got Talent.'[8] He appeared in Bollywood movies like Upadapdu (2003), Jai Gangajal (2016), and The Accidental Prime Minister (2019).[9] In 2007, he featured in Jasmine Dellal's documentary When the Road Bends… Tales of a Gypsy Caravan.[7] He ran a daily show called Queen Harish Program in Jaisalmer, in collaboration with the Rajasthan government, and was invited to perform at Isha Ambani's pre-wedding celebrations in December 2018.[8][1]
Personal life
Harish was married and had two sons. He died in a road accident on 2 June 2019 while traveling from Jaisalmer to Ajmer. Three other artists also died in the accident.[10] The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, said,
“Harish gave a new identity to Jaisalmer with his different dance style. His death is a big loss to the field of folk art.”[10]
References
