How Did Rishi & Vibhuti Ace Their Dreams? They Broke Every Rule In The Book

In a recent episode of The Rule Breaker Show, host Shaili Chopra welcomed the well-known doctor-designer duo, Rishi and Vibhuti. The couple shared their journey, highlighting how Rishi's unconventional path with classical Indian dance became a pivotal part of his personal growth and cultural experiences, and deepened his relationship with his wife, Vibhuti.

Practising Kathak In A Traditional Punjabi Household

Learning Kathak as a young boy might sound unconventional to many, especially in a traditional Punjabi household where traditional gender roles have often shaped perceptions of art forms. But for Rishi, Kathak was more than just a dance, it was a part of his identity. 

Rishi’s journey began at a young age, thanks to his brother, who steered him away from the Bollywood dances popular at the time. "At the age of 6 or 7, my brother said, ‘If you want to dance, do something Indian, something classical, he hated the regular Bollywood genre, so I was pushed into Kathak," Rishi shares. 

What began as a suggestion from a brother turned into a lifelong passion. "I trained for eight to nine years under Purva Kusarpuri ma’am, who heads the Prachinkala Kendra,” Rishi explains. His dedication led him to perform at various cultural events in Bombay, Delhi, and Punjab, growing his confidence and mastery of the art.

His passion for Kathak even accompanied him to medical school, where he continued to compete in cultural competitions. "I was in my first year when my college asked who would go for the inter-medical college competition. I volunteered and told them I’d get the prize for them,” Rishi recalls. True to his word, he won first place, making an impression not only as a dancer but also breaking stereotypes along the way. "People were in shock, but I was excited."

How One Partner Inspires Another

During the episode, Vibhuti admitted how Rishi’s talent drew her towards him. "I got more attracted to Rishi because of the Kathak thing. I get fascinated by talented people, and I think my respect for him grew when I saw how passionate he was about it."

Vibhuti fondly recalls how the time spent with Rishi during their college years helped strengthen their bond, "He would dance, I would sing—it was our way of bonding. From that ‘weirdo,’ he became someone I admired." The couple’s candid conversation further highlighted how Rishi’s journey as a Kathak dancer was not just a rebellion against societal norms but also a bridge that connected the two of them, solidifying their bond even before they became life partners.

In a traditional Punjabi household, a boy practising Kathak wasn’t always seen as an accomplishment. "It wasn’t as accepted back in 2006-2007 as it is now. There was some discomfort initially, but my family was different. My mom, dad, and brother were very accepting. My mom would dress me up for performances, apply makeup, and get all my costumes ready." Rishi reflects. 

After marriage, Vibhuti echoed this support too, "I think my respect for him grew when I saw how passionate he was about Kathak. It wasn’t just about the dance—it was about his dedication."

Despite societal perceptions, Rishi’s love for Kathak never wavered, even when faced with direct trolling. "Honestly, I got trolling, but from far away. The people close to me were supportive. In fact, when I started learning Kathak in school, more boys wanted to join. By the time I was in 12th grade, I had five boys in my batch, and more from the younger groups," he shares.