City Express speaks to Bharatnatyam dancer Narthaki Nataraj, who will be awarded the Doctor
of Letters from Periyar Maniammai University, She talks about the award, her legacy as a transgender dancer, and the inclusivity given to the community in the artistic world.
CHENNAI: A dding yet another feather to her cap of overcoming struggle, breaking barriers and sustaining a successful career, renowned Bharatnatyam dancer Narthaki Nataraj has been chosen for the award of Doctor of Letters from the Periyar Maniammai University, Thanjavur. City Express chats with the dancer about being the first transgender artist to be chosen for the honour and more.
“Receiving an honorary award from such a prestigious university is very emotional for me,” says the dancer. “I feel this is a blessing from my guru (K P Kattapa Pillai in Thanjavur); receiving the award where everything started...it’s overwhelming! Also being the first trans artist to receive it is an achievement.”
The approach she took in propagating the Thanjavur quartet tradition of Bharatnatyam (Chinniah, Ponniah, Vadivelu and Sivanandam) was instrumental for her success. Narthaki believes that she was chosen for the award for precisely this reason. “I wanted to know why I was getting this award when there were so many other deserving artists. The letter from the university stated that my work in preserving and propagating rare Sangam literature and modern poetry, my paper presentations at the international level and the composition of Tamil dances made me worthy enough to receive the award. I couldn’t have been more elated!” she exclaims.
Having studied till Class 12, Narthaki dropped out of school citing societal pressure and personal suffering she faced due to her gender identity. “My family was very upset that I discontinued my education. But today, receiving this award has wiped away all that sorrow. This shows that hard work can take you places. I am proud,” she beams.
A Sangeeta Nataka Academy award recipient, Narthaki has taken the Thanjavur bani and her expertise in the Nayaki Bhava style across the globe, including Norway, Japan, Malaysia, USA and the UK. “People around the world have a common spiritual connect. When I dance, they connect to God and are moved. This is the power of our traditional art and I am proud to be a representative who takes it around the world,” says the Kalaimamani recipient. “Also, being a transgender, I am proud that there are so many others who are coming out of their shell to make something of their lives and live with dignity and integrity.
To me, that’s success.”
Apart from taking the dance community by storm, Narthaki has also made her mark in the fashion industry. In a first-of-its kind initiative, Narthaki was one of four transgenders to be invited for a photoshoot during the Lakme Fashion Week that promoted inclusivity in fashion. “It was a unique experience for me to be a part of the Fashion Week, and I loved it. I am glad that I am able to explore and try my hand at a lot of things,” she shares enthusiastically.
Pointing to the increasing inclusivity of society towards the transgender commnity in recent times, Narthaki avers, “During the 80s and 90s, I always felt that I was on this journey all alone. But, today, with the support and identity that thirunangais are receiving, I feel a change has been made,” she says. “Yes, there are many who still don’t accept us…but change is slow!”
Busy with her Velliyamballam School of Dance, she shares that her students from foreign countries will be part of dance tours as well. “Children are showing keen interest in traditional dance and I will definitely make them a part of the upcoming tours. Also, we are preparing some rare sets for the upcoming December festival season and it’s going to be a divine experience,” she adds.
Narthaki has only one advice for youngsters: “Work hard; do everything with dedication and passion. Love the career you have chosen and achievements will come your way.”