Krithika Subrahmanian is a city-based architect and dancer who established the NaMaargam Dance Company, an independent and creative studio for dance. The focus of the company is to produce high quality presentations in the Pandanallur/Thanjavur bani of Bharatanatyam.
What makes you a Chennaiite?
I am born in Mylapore, studied in a Mylapore school, graduated from Anna University, married a Mylaporean, Chennai Property Developer and practice architecture and build in Chennai city. Honestly, this makes me a true Chennaiite
What are your favourite places in the city and why?
The glorious temples Kapaleeswarar, Marundeeswarar, Malleeswarar, the sabhas where I have seen top artists perform, and also my home, studio and office.
If you had to take a non-Chennaiite to that one spot in the city, which one would it be?
The temples, the sabhas, the shops retailing high quality woven silks and jewellers.
What are the must-learn words you’d teach him or her?
Namaskaram and Nandri
Three things that are synonymous to the words ‘Namma Chennai’?
Beach, chaos, clutter, sadly
Which places are a dancer’s haven in the city?
All the sabhas to watch concerts, their own Gurus class to learn, DS Aiyyelus shop when he is delivering the costumes!
Is there a place in Chennai that you wish to perform some day?
Have performed everywhere and enjoyed every moment of it.
Is there a stereotype about Chennaiites you wish to change?
The need to honk and violate traffic rules and need to litter public places – I am definitely not a Chennaiite in that sense.
Any part of the city you haven’t been to?
Many parts – I am a south Madras girl and am amazed at the number of neighbourhoods I haven’t visited! I hear about this park in Chetpet…never been there!
Is there a personality (dead or alive) from Chennai that you wish you could meet once?
I would have loved to meet Rukmini Devi Arundale and Chandralekha in person.
Which places are a dancer’s haven in the city?
All the Sabhas to watch concerts, their own Gurus class to learn, DS Aiyyelus shop when he is delivering the costumes .