Zaheer, a Muslim boy from a small village at the foot hills of Yercaud, has been obsessed with dance from childhood. His early lessons are from Tamil films. Stars like Padmini and Vyjayanthimala hold him in thrall. Rhythm, movements and expressions play in his head constantly even as his classmates sneer. He wants to learn Bharatanatyam but his father will not allow him to pursue his passion. However, no obstacle is going to deter him from his chosen path.
The Dance of Faith, a multilayered novel by R. Seshasayee, raises questions about the stereotyping of art and religion. Can a practising Muslim become a Bharatanatyam dancer? The book delves into the question of identity as the protagonist pursues a life in art.
Seshasayee has held several leadership positions in the corporate world. He was executive vice-chairman and managing director of Ashok Leyland, chairman, Infosys, and chairman, IndusInd Bank.
