classical 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Kolkata celebrated Guru Smaranam 2026, honoring Odissi maestro Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra's legacy on his 21st death anniversary and centenary birth year. The event featured a book launch on Odissi's evolution, stellar performances by renowned dancers, and acknowledged the guru-shishya tradition, showcasing Mahapatra's enduring influence.

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.

Jyoti Tyagi's solo exhibition, "Stories the Soil Remembers," opened at Shridharani Gallery, New Delhi, curated by Prayag Shukla. Inaugurated by Chetan Prakash Jain, the event was graced by artists Jatin Das and Pratibha Prahlad. Tyagi's evocative paintings explore the human connection to nature and the emotional landscape of modern life.

At a panel discussion on the ancient Natyasastra, Javed Akhtar expressed awe at its 2,500-year-old wisdom and dialogue-based structure. He drew parallels to the Bhagavad Gita, highlighting how both texts encourage questioning and curiosity. Akhtar emphasized that this spirit of inquiry defines India, where asking questions is fundamental.

Intimate gatherings around music, conversation and craft are drawing a new generation of audiences to floor seating and slow listening

Madhuri Dixit reflected on her profound collaboration with the late choreographer Saroj Khan, who was instrumental in her Bollywood dance journey. Khan taught Madhuri to adapt her classical training for the camera, emphasizing precision and camera awareness. They also made a pact to never repeat dance steps, ensuring each song felt fresh and unique.

In Chennai, the fitness landscape is evolving as traditional Tamil folk dances like oyilattam and karakattam fuse with high-energy cardio workouts. These vibrant classes not only provide a unique full-body exercise by imitating movements inspired by farm life and animal antics, but they also honor and showcase the cultural richness of the region.

Pooja Bedi recently opened up about her unconventional childhood, revealing how her parents — actor Kabir Bedi and legendary classical dancer-model Protima Bedi — raised her with complete freedom and very few rules. Interestingly, the actress also admitted that despite growing up in such an open environment, she eventually became a much stricter parent herself.

When the skies opened up over Bikaner House, a regal darbar gracefully morphed into an intimate gathering, where audiences were enthralled by the enchanting movements of kathak dancer Manjari Chaturvedi and the resonant voice of Ustad Jawaad Ali Khan.

A Kathak dance drama, "Kadambari – The Poet’s Muse," by Shovana Narayan, explores the profound relationship between Rabindranath Tagore and his sister-in-law, Kadambari. The performance delves into their companionship and her influence on his early writings, highlighting how her presence shaped his poetic genius and left an indelible mark on his life and literature.

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

A Kathak dance drama, "Kadambari – The Poet’s Muse," by Shovana Narayan, delves into the profound bond between Rabindranath Tagore and his sister-in-law, Kadambari. The performance explores how her companionship and unspoken struggles profoundly shaped the young poet's imagination and literary journey, a tribute to the friendship that birthed a literary giant.

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.

In a serendipitous twist of fate, Dr. Yamuna Sangarasivam, a dancer of Sri Lankan-American descent, found herself in the global spotlight after a mesmerizing 20-second Odissi performance alongside none other than Michael Jackson in his iconic 1991 video. Chosen from a sea of talent, her electrifying moment elevated Indian classical dance to an international audience.

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.

Actor-dancer Prachee Shah Paandya, a Guinness World Record holder and Kathak ambassador, reflects on how the classical art form became an inseparable part of her life. She emphasizes Kathak's role in shaping her acting craft through expression and its profound spiritual grounding, highlighting its timeless essence and the importance of preserving its authenticity while evolving its presentation.

Kathak dancer Pranika Bhatt anchored an intimate cultural baithak, Virasat, at Amiruddaula Public Library, celebrating the art form's history. Led by Guru Purnima Pandey, the event featured a lecture-demonstration by her students, exploring various Kathak compositions. The gathering included prominent figures from the arts, fostering engagement with Kathak's rich heritage.

classical dancer and television personality Sudha Chandran described her visit to spiritual guide Premanand Ji Maharaj as an "extremely overwhelming journey." Chandran shared that her unwavering faith in God was instrumental in overcoming the traumatic loss of her leg in an accident, enabling her to rebuild her career and find strength.