A Passion or a gift?

by Dyuthi Anantharam

Some passions are born with us; others are gifted across generations like heirlooms. My love for Bharatanatyam, I believe, is a blend of both.

From as early as the age of three, I was completely enchanted by the graceful movements, expressive eyes, and the captivating rhythm of Bharatanatyam. My mother and grandmother would often watch videos of legendary dancers, and I would sit beside them, completely mesmerized. Though I didn’t quite understand the depth of the art form then, I knew it stirred something in me—something beautiful, something magnetic.

To be honest, what first caught my eye wasn’t the technique or the storytelling—it was the jewelry, the costume, and the makeup. The dancers looked like royalty to me, adorned in rich silks, sparkling ornaments, and dramatic eye makeup that seemed to tell a story all on its own. I was captivated by the whole image, and I wanted nothing more than to become a part of that world.

By the time I turned four, I was ready to take the plunge. I told my family I wanted to learn Bharatanatyam. My interest had grown from an innocent fascination to a stubborn desire. So, we went to look for a dance school, but the teacher gently told us I’d have to wait until I turned five. I was devastated—but only for a moment. I marked the calendar in my head and counted down the days.

On my fifth birthday, I did exactly what I had been waiting to do for a whole year. We went to the temple, and I joined my first Bharatanatyam class that very day. I might have been small, but I was determined—and just as stubborn then as I am now!

One of my most vivid childhood memories is watching the Malayalam movie Manichithrathazhu when I was six. The iconic actress Shobana absolutely blew me away with her performance. I didn’t just watch the movie—I lived it. I danced through the house, recreating the scenes with dramatic flair, singing the songs completely off-tune at the top of my lungs. I must have driven my family crazy, but in my mind, I was the dancer in the film.

Over the years, Bharatanatyam has become more than just a dance form for me. It’s my connection to my roots, a channel for my emotions, and a legacy passed down from the women who came before me. It reminds me that passion can be nurtured by inspiration, fueled by determination, and carried forward by love.

And so, I continue to dance—feet grounded in tradition, heart wide open.