“Anita Ratnam: A Dance Through Creativity, Women Photographers, and the Art of Filter Coffee”

Anita likened photography to ancient sculptures that capture moments eternally, expressing, “For the sculptor, that was photography.” As a performer accustomed to perpetual motion, she perceives stillness in photography as equally valuable.

Encouraging individuals to delve deeper into photography, she emphasized that mastering our devices can transform mundane images into compelling narratives.

Neo-Bharatam: Fusing tradition with modernity

Renowned for her creation of Neo-Bharatam, an innovative dance form, Anita described it in her discussion as her method of merging classical dance with personal interpretation. “I aimed to convey my own voice in a manner that was distinct,” she reflected on her beginnings, acknowledging her family for inspiring her to approach things differently.

Despite encountering critique at first, she stayed devoted to making Bharatanatyam relevant for younger audiences. Nowadays, her contributions are recognized for redefining the art while respecting its heritage.

Also read: It’s not only Bollywood that can create spectacles: Bharatanatyam expert

Chennai: Center for innovative ideas

Anita discussed Chennai as a place that has consistently welcomed bold concepts.

“This city is akin to fertile ground where new ideas can flourish,” she noted, emphasizing how both traditional and contemporary art prosper here. Gatherings like the Margazhi festival illustrate this equilibrium, attracting spectators from around the globe, she added.

Delivering fresh concepts thoughtfully, she observed, is essential to ensure they are comprehended and valued by traditional audiences.

MeToo movement

Reflecting on the MeToo movement within cultural institutions, Anita highlighted the significance of transparent communication between educators and students. Power imbalances can leave students exposed, yet involving parents and fostering open dialogues can significantly alter the situation.

While these challenges are not limited to a singular institution, she advocated for collective efforts to guarantee respect and safety in all learning spaces.

“The fact that we’re addressing this is already an advancement,” she remarked with optimism.

Also watch: Geeta Chandran on bringing Bharatanatyam to a global stage | Margazhi

Creativity and filter coffee

In a society fixated on immediate results, Anita encouraged emerging artists to take their time. Drawing a parallel between creativity and brewing filter coffee, she stated, “Art requires time—drop by drop, layer by layer.” Chasing fame or success may diminish the depth that renders art significant.

She pointed out Chennai’s artistic landscape as an exemplary model of harmonizing tradition and modernity, with ventures such as the Other Festival and the Chennai Photo Biennale celebrating this duality.

While she continues to transcend boundaries and motivate others, Anita Ratnam stays dedicated to crafting art that resonates with the upcoming generation. From reinterpreting dance to advocating for equality in the arts, her journey serves as a testament to how perseverance and creativity can profoundly impact the world.

The Federal is the media partner of the Chennai Photo Biennale.

Disclaimer: The content above has been generated utilizing a specialized AI model. To ensure precision, quality, and editorial integrity, we implement a Human-In-The-Loop (HITL) approach. While AI aids in drafting the initial outline, our skilled editorial team meticulously reviews, edits, and enhances the content prior to publication. At The Federal, we merge the efficacy of AI with the proficiency of human editors to provide trustworthy and insightful journalism.