CHENNAI: She is an intimate architect and an obsessive dancer. She is Krithika Subrahmanian, a popular face in the world of classical dance, especially Bharatanatyam in the Thanjavur Pandallur Bani. Ahead of her dance production, Swappnam with the tunes of Ilayaraja, City Express chats with her about dance, design and spirituality.
The quintessential Chennai woman was born into a large family in Mylapore. “The Masonic lodge and ritualistic Hinduism were all heartily embraced by my highly pluralistic grandparents,” she smiles. As she grew up, she also found interest in design and ended up pursuing architecture at School of Architecture and Planning (SAP), Anna University.
So, where did dance come in? As in many traditional families, Krithika was introduced to dance when she was seven. She would go to Sree Bharatalaya Dance School for her lessons. “It gave me a lot of energy — both physically and spiritually. It’s a form of self expression given to me by divine providence. I still continue to dance every day as it helps me evolve spiritually; it’s a meditative exercise,” explains Krithika.
Though dance touched her heart, she never took it up as her career. A reputed entrepreneur heading a group of companies, Krithika takes pleasure in highly intensive pursuits of design consultancy in architecture, construction and projects.
Of course, it overlaps and helps her on stage too. “In design, we work to enhance aesthetics to create sensory reactions in people. To do the same in the time-space capsule of a live performance is very exciting for the designer in me!” she smiles “What better medium can there be for me to experiment with decor and lighting, settings and illusions in both the classical and contemporary medium?”
But she also adds that dance is a way of life and catharsis. The passion is obvious when she says, “It also brings out the finer emotions in me and in my audience. It is spiritually elevating to have the physical energy to practice and perform. It also needs immense concentration to deliver the highest level of aesthetics.”
We wondered if it ever exhausted her, and it turns out... “I was affected by Autoimmune Disorder and Lupus. I beat that by yoga and I have had leg injuries, all sorts of health issues but I believe in my mind’s strength to overcome any health issue.”
(Catch her next performance, Swappnam in association with NaMaargam, at Brahma Gana Sabha on June 3 at 7pm. For details, call 24642767)
Rapid Fire
The last song you heard: Bhaja govindam by MS – every morning in my car.
Your biggest fear: War
Favourite Dance posture: Full Mandi
Describe Bharatanatyam in three words: Energy, Expression, and Evolution
Favourite spot to dance: In my gurus’ presence
Advice to Amateurs: Go for it with your heart and soul
Did You Know?
Back in the day, dancers were required to train for eight years before getting on stage. They had to learn five alarippus, 6 jatiswarams, 5 varnams, all the navasandhi sthuthis, several pushpanjalis and kauthuvams, many padams and 5 thillanas before being considered ‘reasonably prepared’ for a Salangai pooja.