bharatanatyam dancer

Ananya Panday faces online criticism for a Bharatanatyam fusion dance in 'Chand Mera Dil'. Author Shobhaa De defends the actress, questioning why she's singled out when the creative team conceptualized the sequence. De highlights the immense pressure on actors to perform diverse art forms without formal training, urging a broader perspective on the backlash.

Ananya Panday faced online backlash for her Bharatanatyam-inspired dance in 'Chand Mera Dil'. Her father, Chunky Panday, defended her, clarifying it was a fusion performance, not a classical recital. He emphasized that pure Bharatanatyam demands extensive training and urged viewers to understand the film's context before judging the creative blend.

Ananya Panday's Bharatanatyam-fusion dance in 'Chand Mera Dil' sparked online debate, with some criticizing her performance. However, assistant choreographer Ananya Kurup publicly defended the actress, highlighting her dedication and hard work in learning the classical form quickly. The film, praised for its chemistry and emotional story, continues to draw audiences.

An NGO, Katradi, is bridging gender divides among youth through sports and arts. By playing Ultimate Frisbee and engaging in performance arts, young boys and girls learn to communicate and build friendships. Workshops also demystify reproductive health and puberty, empowering children to challenge societal norms and report abuse.

Akshara Aiyar, a dedicated disciple of Priya Venkataraman, captivated audiences with her Bharatanatyam Arangetram at Triveni Kala Sangam. Showcasing a decade of rigorous training, Akshara presented a repertoire of traditional pieces, including a powerful Swarajathi and an energetic Tillana. The esteemed live orchestra enhanced the evening, celebrating the rich Guru-Shishya tradition.

Kangana Ranaut paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary actress and dancer Vyjayanthimala on social media, sharing a vintage Bharatanatyam video and calling her "heavenly" and "born only to be worshipped." Vyjayanthimala, a Padma Vibhushan awardee, is celebrated for iconic films like 'Nagin', 'Devdas', and her legendary pairing with Dilip Kumar.

Reality show actress Kavya Sha inspires fans by continuing to dance intensely despite undergoing surgeries on both her legs, which contain metal plates and screws. She credits Sudha Chandran and para-athletes for their determination, emphasizing that mental resilience, not just physical capability, is key to overcoming setbacks and achieving success.

From the charm of hospitality to the drama of the screen, Pallavi Purohit's metamorphosis into an actress unfolded serendipitously. A chance meeting at a film festival nudged her to swap hotel lobbies for film studios, where she bravely navigated language hurdles in Hindi television and embraced demanding roles across Malayalam and Kannada films, bravely showcasing her classical dance prowess.

Saanika Shah, a mountaineer, brought her passion for Bharatanatyam to Everest Base Camp. She performed the classical dance as a personal prayer and ritual. This act blended her love for dance and climbing. The moment resonated deeply online. It showcased discipline and devotion in a challenging environment. Shah fulfilled a long-held dream at the foot of Sagarmatha Devi.

The doctor and dancer speaks to us about her bond with the city, balancing multiple identities, and why she resists being boxed into labels.

World Dance Day 2026 celebrated tradition and innovation with workshops, discussions on AI, and performances by emerging talents, fostering artistic dialogue.

Four city-based Indian classical dancers reveal how their art form is a way of life, not just a performance. Whether in everyday moments or on stage, their movements, breath, and presence are deeply intertwined with their respective genres. This World Dance Day, they showcase how dance is constantly lived, instinctively shaping their perception and existence.

In cities like Dehradun, dance continues to serve as a bridge between heritage and modernity.

Sudha Chandran has opened up about one of the most defining chapters of her life—from losing her leg at 16 to returning to the stage with a powerful three-hour Bharatanatyam recital. In a recent conversation, the actor-dancer reflected on pain, resilience, and the moment she realised she had truly made a comeback.

Challenging gender norms in Tamil folk arts, P. Senrayaperumal, a male performer, embodies female roles in Raja Rani Attam, while Thilagavathi Palani, a woman, takes on male characters in Kattaikkuttu. Both artists navigate societal prejudices and economic hardships, using their art to express powerful narratives and personal struggles.

They do not see any clash between following the Quran and re-enacting tales of Hindu gods and goddesses. And so, Shabana and B K Shafeekudeen are best known as Radha Madhavan on stage.

City-based Odissi and bharatanatyam dancer was invited to perform at the prestigious national dance festival 'Bharatotsava'. Manasi Pandya was also given Bharatshree award during the festival organised by Nupur Nritya Vihar, a Karnataka-based performing art school.

bharatanatyam dancer Aranyani Bhargav presents 'Lori,' a solo performance raising funds for children in Gaza. The dance powerfully depicts a survivor rescuing a child amidst devastation, highlighting violence against youth. This initiative, part of the global 'Indian Dancers for Gaza’s Children' campaign, underscores artists' responsibility to address humanitarian crises.