Indian Man Paralysed By Polio Becomes Inspirational Dancer

Kamlesh Patel's sensational moves and rags-to-riches story have made him an inspiration to millions of Indians.

The 31-year-old became a household name after appearing on the country's version of Got To Dance and is now training others to follow his path. 

"I believe that when you have the willpower and confidence within you then no power in this world can stop you from reaching your success," he said.

"I managed to move on from polio and then left everything else to destiny.” 

Kamlesh, from Gujarat, grew up in poverty and was paralysed at the age of five years old when he contracted the poliomyelitis virus, which attacks the nervous system and can permanently paralyse a person within hours.

For years he struggled to survive, getting from place to place by walking on his hands and dragging his feet.

That all changed when by chance he caught a dance show on the television.

"I was watching dance on the television and all of a sudden I started moving while I was sitting. I put both legs on my shoulders and I stood up on my hands and began to dance. 

"It seemed like a miracle to me and also for people around me at that time. That is how my passion for dance began." 

But getting the professional training he needed proved more difficult as he was repeatedly turned down from academies because of his disability, until finally meeting local dance teacher, Guddu Rana.

"I asked Guddu to give me a chance and to train me so that I could show him my ability," said Kamlesh.

"He took me in and started teaching me two, three steps. I used to follow him and then practice it at home." 

Kamlesh's stock really rose when he appeared on talent show Dance India Dance in 2009 and although he didn't win, he captured the hearts of millions and now tours the world with his dancing.

“I have now given more than 1,500 performances in India and abroad.

"My shows are booked in advance. When I perform people bless and applaud me. and after the performance, they come to meet me and take pictures with me and take my autograph."

To add to his success on the dance floor, Kamlesh found love with fellow dancer Poonam Kamlesh Patel, who he married two years ago.

The pair now have a baby daughter, Mahee Patel, and run a dance academy together.

Poonam, who hopes to further extend the family, said: “We had so many things in common. Then one day a thought came into both our minds that we liked each other and that we could spend our lives together.

“Now we plan to have our dance academies in every state of India.”