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.

Charu Shankar, who played Ranbir Kapoor's mother in 'Animal', recently portrayed Ananya Pandey's mother in 'Chand Mera Dil'. She discussed her role as a single mother and bharatanatyam dancer, sharing a humorous anecdote about their cooking struggles. Shankar also reflected on her positive experiences working with the cast of 'Animal', including Ranbir Kapoor and Anil Kapoor.

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.

In a passionate defense, esteemed choreographer Sandip Soparrkar has stood by Ananya Panday’s Bharatanatyam-inspired performance in 'Chand Mera Dil', labeling the criticism as baseless. He took aim at the supposed 'gatekeepers of classical dance', calling out their double standards and emphasizing that film has always had a tradition of reinventing classical art forms. Read on to know more in detail.

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.

Actress Anju Aravind mourns the loss of her influential aunt, Raj Aunty, who was a mother figure and instrumental in her confidence, education, and career. Anju revealed financial struggles during her dance training, with her aunt providing her first costume. She also highlighted a devastating delayed cancer diagnosis, urging for prompt medical evaluation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.