Lifestyle

Youngest Trickshot Artist Zahidul Islam (RJTRICKSHOT) in an interview

Published

3 years ago

May 27, 2022

When people think of trick-shot artists, there are a few names that immediately to mind. Mike Massey and Florian Kohler come to mind right away. Zahidul Islam aka RJ TRICKSHOT can now be added to the list of trick shot artists who come to mind when gamers think of them.

When did you start doing trick shots?

I started playing pool when I was thirteen years old. I began practicing trick shots when I was 17 years old and have never looked back.

How many hours a day do you practice on average?

In a single day, I can play pool, billiards, artistic, or trick shots for 5 hours.

Who has been the most influential artist in your life?

Mike Massey and, especially, Florian Kohler.

One thing I’ve always loved about your videos is how distinctive they are. How do you consistently come up with new trick shot ideas?

It runs through my head every time I practice. I periodically watch trickshot videos by legend players, notably Florian’s. I keep an eye on him and try to imitate some of his difficult shots. I also write down and save new trick shots on my phone as I think of them. Many of my creations aren’t posted online because many others may claim them as their own. I’m now taping everything I’m doing, and it should be accessible soon. I’m always thinking about how well-developed my idol is and how much patience a trick shot requires. On a good day, it’s easy to make trick shots, but not every day is the same, so artists occasionally give up.

So far in your pool career, what do you consider your proudest achievement?

Florian Kohler’s visit to my house was the most productive moment of success, from my perspective. For two days, he coached and taught me a variety of trick shots while sharing all of his secrets. Being a part of the next pool legend is also quite exciting.

You started off doing trick shots developed by Mike Massey, Florian, and others on YouTube. How do you feel now that your photos are being copied?

This is always fascinating and surprising. Being a part of the pool’s history is a dream come true for me. Any of the trick shots that are available online can be copied by anyone. On social media, I received a lot of encouragement, and one fan told me that witnessing my trick shots had tremendously inspired him. After that, he even brought a pool table, so I decided to give him a free trick shot lesson. He was overjoyed, which was the highest compliment I could have received.

You masse a lot and shoot most of your movies at home. How often do you replace your table’s felt?

It varies entirely on how much I play on any given day. But it’s more likely that my feelings shift every three to four months. Predator Cues, fortunately, sponsors all of my pool products, including the felt.

What recommendations would you provide to someone interested in pursuing an artistic pool career?

Simply take pleasure in what you’re doing. Unlike the ordinary pool, which can become tedious after a while, the trick shot can be exciting to create. It becomes tiresome to drill the same shots over and over. You’ll be OK if you use your imagination!!

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

6 days ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.