Turbat’s Little Master Subhan to Break Deeply-Rooted Taboos

News Desk

Turbat: An 11-year-old boy from Turbat, Balochistan, is turning an internet sensation into an ambitious dream of representing Pakistan on the world stage through break-dancing.

Subhan Sohail shot to social media fame after a video of his energetic dance performance went viral, drawing widespread appreciation for his natural ability and acrobatic moves.

What makes his story particularly striking is that Subhan has never received formal training. He says he developed his skills by secretly practising from the age of six and learning dance moves by watching videos on television.

“I started dancing secretly when I was six because I was afraid my parents would punish me. Their priority was my education,” Subhan told a local news reporter.

His parents initially opposed his interest in dancing, reflecting the social attitudes in parts of the region where break-dancing is not widely regarded as a conventional career or activity for children. Their position, however, changed after his performance attracted national and international attention.

Subhan now has his family’s support and hopes to develop his skills further and eventually become a world-class break-dancer. He acknowledges that he does not yet know how to turn his ambition into a professional career but remains determined to pursue it.

His sudden rise also caught the attention of Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff, who praised the young dancer’s performance and expressed a desire to meet him.

Subhan said recognition from his idol was a great honour and further motivated him to improve his performance.

He is now working on refining his footwork and plans to release new videos showcasing his progress.

Talent needs a platform

Subhan’s story has also renewed calls for greater opportunities and professional training for young artists and performers in Balochistan.

Art enthusiasts have urged the provincial government to provide platforms where emerging talent can receive training and showcase their abilities, potentially helping young people pursue positive and productive careers while projecting a softer image of the province and Pakistan.

Sports and Culture Department Quetta Deputy Director Manan Gohar said the provincial government had planned several initiatives to promote arts and culture, including the Noori Naseer Khan Culture Complex in Quetta and art and cultural councils in Gwadar and Turbat.

He said an Artist Endowment Fund had also been established to provide emergency financial assistance to artists, while acknowledging that the shortage of skilled trainers remained a major challenge.

Sociologist Professor Abdul Qudoos Kakar said natural talent could provide the foundation for success, but passion, guidance and opportunities were equally important to help young people reach their potential.

For Subhan, a viral video may have opened the door, but access to professional coaching and proper facilities could determine whether the young dancer’s dream of reaching the international stage becomes a reality.