Futuristic Fusions: Bharatanatyam with AI & VFX

I believe that tradition is not static; it is a living, breathing entity. In this spirit, my troupe 'Abhinayaa' and I embark on interdisciplinary adventures, collaborating with digital artists and technologists. We create large-scale productions that merge the classical vocabulary of Bharatanatyam with generative AI, visual effects, and electronic music to explore themes from science fiction to the digital age.

Cultural Narratives: Weaving Stories Through Dance

These productions are thematic explorations of India's rich cultural tapestry. We use the language of dance to tell stories about our mythology, our traditions, and our people. Productions like 'Mix & Match' are a tribute to the weavers of India, using their beautiful sarees as a central part of the choreography and narrative, often blending Bharatanatyam with other forms like Chhau and multimedia elements.

The Solo Recital: An Intimate Dialogue

When I perform solo, it is a personal and intimate conversation with the audience. My performances are rooted in the classic Kalakshetra style of Bharatanatyam, known for its precision, grace, and depth of expression. I focus on crisp adavus (footwork), eloquent mudras (hand gestures), and abhinaya (facial expression) to bring ancient stories to life, often pausing to explain the narrative to make the art form accessible to all.

A Legacy of Art: My Journey and Accolades

My journey in dance has been a long and blessed one, spanning over five decades. This path began under the guidance of my revered guru, Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale at Kalakshetra, and has led me to stages across the world. This collection is a humble showcase of some of the milestones, awards, and cherished memories from this lifelong dedication to Bharatanatyam.

Author and Educator

For me, dance is not just for the stage; it is knowledge to be shared. I am deeply passionate about teaching and have authored several instructional books like 'Hastha Prayogaah' to make the vocabulary of Bharatanatyam accessible to students everywhere. My role as an Acharya at Triveni Kala Sangam and with my Abhinayaa troupe is to nurture the next generation, sharing the discipline and joy of this art form, just as my gurus shared it with me.