Bharatanatyam Dancers Slam Ananya Panday Dance; Choreographer Defends

Lead: A performance that divided opinion

A short clip of Bollywood actor Ananya Panday performing a stylised dance sequence has triggered an unexpected cultural debate online, with Bharatanatyam practitioners sharply criticising the performance while industry insiders have come out in support.

The discussion began after excerpts from the actor’s performance circulated on social media, prompting classical dancers to question the authenticity, technique, and representation of Indian dance forms in mainstream cinema.

Some Bharatanatyam-trained artists described the performance as “misaligned with classical grammar,” with one widely shared post calling it “catastrophic in execution,” a remark that quickly went viral.

Background: Why classical dancers reacted strongly

Bharatanatyam, one of India’s oldest classical dance forms, is governed by strict technical and aesthetic principles—mudras (hand gestures), posture alignment, rhythm precision, and expressive storytelling.

Several practitioners argued that Bollywood often borrows from classical vocabulary without preserving its structure.

A senior Bharatanatyam instructor from Chennai, reacting online, noted:

“When classical elements are used without training or understanding, it becomes distortion rather than fusion.”

This sentiment was echoed across Instagram reels and YouTube commentary videos, where trained dancers broke down the choreography frame-by-frame.

The criticism was not directed solely at the actor but also at the broader trend of commercial choreography diluting classical integrity for visual appeal.

Choreographer’s defence: “She delivered what was required”

Amid the backlash, the choreographer of Chand Mera Dil stepped in to defend the performance, stating that the intent was never to present a classical recital.

The choreographer reportedly said the sequence was designed for cinematic storytelling, not classical accuracy.

“She understood the emotion, the rhythm of the camera, and the energy of the scene. That is what mattered for this performance,” the choreographer said in a media interaction.

The track Chand Mera Dil has itself been part of a renewed wave of remix-style cinematic choreography, which often blends contemporary movement with stylised Indian aesthetics.

According to the choreographer, expectations of classical precision were “misplaced,” as the choreography was intended for a film narrative rather than a stage performance.

The core debate: Art, adaptation, or appropriation?

The controversy has reopened an old debate in Indian entertainment: where does inspiration end and misrepresentation begin?

Supporters of the actor argue that Bollywood dance is inherently adaptive and expressive, not bound by classical discipline. They believe demanding strict adherence to Bharatanatyam rules in a cinematic context is unrealistic.

Critics, however, say that when classical elements are visibly referenced, they carry cultural responsibility.

A Mumbai-based dance critic wrote:

“Fusion is welcome. But dilution without acknowledgement of structure risks misinforming millions who consume cinema as cultural reference.”

This divide highlights a growing tension between traditional performing arts communities and mainstream film choreography teams.

Public reaction: Social media splits into two camps

The internet reaction has been sharply divided.

One section of users defended Ananya Panday, praising her effort and screen presence, arguing that actors are not trained classical dancers and should not be judged as such.

Another section sided with classical performers, insisting that Bollywood’s influence is too strong to ignore responsibility in representation.

Memes, reaction videos, and breakdown clips have flooded Instagram Reels and X, pushing the topic into trending entertainment discussions across India.

In West Bengal and other culturally active regions, the debate has also found resonance among younger dance students who straddle both classical training and film aspirations.

Industry impact: A familiar but unresolved friction

This is not the first time Bollywood choreography has come under scrutiny from classical dancers. Similar debates have surfaced around film sequences involving semi-classical or “inspired” performances.

However, what makes this instance more amplified is the scale of social media engagement and the visibility of the actor involved.

Industry observers say such controversies often fade quickly but leave behind a lingering question: should Bollywood establish clearer boundaries when referencing classical forms?

A Kolkata-based performing arts researcher noted:

“The issue isn’t imitation—it’s context. Without context, audiences may assume accuracy where none exists.”

What happens next

As of now, neither Ananya Panday nor the production team has issued an official clarification beyond promotional statements about the film and its choreography vision.

The choreographer maintains that the sequence stands as intended and should be viewed as cinematic expression rather than classical representation.

Meanwhile, the debate continues to gain traction online, suggesting that discussions around authenticity in Indian film choreography are far from over.