CHENNAI: Anusha Swamy, the dance choreographer in the film industry, has worked with veterans like Prabhu Deva, Raju Sundaram, Brinda and others as assistant in movies like R Rajkumar, Kochadaiiyaan and Mariyaan. A YouTube sensation, she is known for her quirky and offbeat videos. Here is her take on our city:
What’s your Chennai connect?
Chennai is like home. Beach is my connect with Chennai.
One thing about namma ooru that you fancy?
Temples, beaches & filter kaapi.
A Chennai-based celeb or any personality whom you would like to date or go out with?
Thalaivar superstar Rajnikanth
Three things here that can’t be found in any part of the world?
Love, people, kaapi
Your favourite hangout spot?
Beach, thattu vadai settu kadai in Gopalpuram!
Three stereotypes about the city and the people that make you roll your eyeballs?
a) The way they make fun of Tambrahms; b) blame the female drivers; c) look at me and ask if I’m a girl or a boy because of my short hair.
Where would you take a person who is new to the city? Why?
To the beach because I used to live in Hyderabad and came here every summer. I used to anticipate that so much. So the beach is my other home.
One part of the city or a specific area that you want to explore?
North Chennai. I think we have some beautiful old buildings and I love the local people for their slang.
What would you do to prove someone that you are a true Chennai vaasi?
Speak in local Tamil may be. They would shut their ears.
Two Madras baashai words that you would teach a new bee?
Veetla sollitu vantiya, maama kaapi saapadrela
If you were to do a video on Chennai (forget the videos that have already been made), what would it be about?
About how Madras is an emotion da. Everything that has to change in Chennai.
Two things from Chennai that you would take to any place you travel?
Kaapi and Kabali
If you had to draw a comparison between Chennai and any other city/country, what would it be? And why?
Chennai and Venice. They’re both love symbols to me. Also they’re both crowded with awesome people.
What is the craziest thing you have ever wanted to do in the city? And where?
Jump off the broken bridge and I have done that.
If you would like to install another statue in Marina beach, what or who would it be about?
I’d like to install two. The one for Rajni and the other for myself!
Describe the city in your own words and style!
Mass, class and godly. The love I have for the city is irreplaceable simply because we have been through so much and she never fails to amuse me.
(as told to Roshne B)