Classical Dancers Call Out Ananya Panday's Bharatanatyam: 'Audacity to Put It Up Publicly'

Julia Wagner · 2026-05-25

When a Bollywood film features a classical dance sequence, the internet inevitably has opinions. But when the sequence in question involves a mainstream actress attempting Bharatanatyam, the conversation often shifts from entertainment to authenticity. That's exactly what happened with Ananya Panday's performance in *Chand Mera Dil*, and the reaction from trained classical dancers has been anything but quiet. The criticism boils down to one bold phrase: "the audacity to put it up publicly." That's a heavy statement, and it's worth unpacking. Because behind the viral clips and the heated comments lies a deeper conversation about respect, training, and the line between artistic interpretation and cultural misrepresentation. ### Why Classical Dancers Are Speaking Up Bharatanatyam isn't just a dance style. It's a disciplined art form with centuries of history, precise footwork, and storytelling that requires years of dedicated practice. For trained dancers, seeing it performed without proper technique can feel like watching someone pick up a surgeon's scalpel and call themselves a doctor. Here's what the critics are pointing out: - **Lack of proper hand gestures (mudras)**: The hand positions in Bharatanatyam carry specific meanings. Getting them wrong muddles the story being told. - **Missed footwork patterns**: The rhythmic complexity of Bharatanatyam is its backbone. Simplified steps can strip away the art's essence. - **Incorrect posture and alignment**: Classical dance demands a grounded stance and controlled movements. Without that, it looks like a stylized approximation. Now, to be fair, Panday isn't a trained classical dancer. She's an actress performing for a film. But that's precisely the point critics are making: if you're going to present a classical form to millions of viewers, there's a responsibility to either train seriously or approach it with more humility. ### The Role of Choreographers and Directors This isn't just about the performer. The blame often falls on the choreographer and director who chose to include a classical sequence without ensuring it met a basic standard of authenticity. When a dance is shot with dramatic lighting, close-ups, and cinematic flair, audiences might not notice the technical flaws. But dancers do. One professional dancer noted that the issue isn't the attempt itself, but the presentation. There's a difference between "inspired by Bharatanatyam" and "this is Bharatanatyam." When a film labels a sequence as classical dance, it sets an expectation. Missing that mark can feel like a disservice to the art form and to the dancers who dedicate their lives to mastering it. ### What This Means for Dance Studios and Choreographers If you're a dance instructor or studio owner in the United States, this controversy offers a valuable teaching moment. Classical forms like Bharatanatyam are increasingly popular in Western studios, and with that popularity comes a need for accuracy. Here are a few takeaways: - **Hire qualified instructors**: If you offer classical dance classes, make sure your teachers have formal training and credentials. - **Set clear expectations**: When a class is labeled "Bharatanatyam," students should know what level of authenticity they're getting. - **Educate your students**: Use moments like this controversy to discuss the cultural significance of the art form, not just the steps. ### The Bigger Picture At the end of the day, this debate isn't about one actress or one song. It's about how we treat art forms that carry deep cultural weight. Whether you're a professional dancer, a studio owner, or someone who just enjoys watching dance, there's something to learn here. We don't need to tear anyone down. But we do need to ask for more care, more respect, and more honesty when it comes to representing classical traditions. That's not gatekeeping. That's just asking for a baseline of reverence. So the next time you see a dance sequence go viral, take a closer look. Ask yourself: is this honoring the form, or just borrowing its aesthetic? The answer might surprise you.