Grace In Motion

Apeksha Niranjan is redefining Bharatanatyam for a global audience

- Words NIKITA SAWANT

For the past 20 years, Apeksha Niranjan has been teaching Bharatanatyam at her institute, Nrityanjali Performing Arts in Mumbai, where she currently trains around 200 students. Her work has transcended cultural and geographical boundaries — she was the first Indian classical dancer to choreograph and perform a Bharatanatyam piece set to traditional Polish folk music. We speak to Niranjan about how she’s making Bharatanatyam meaningful for today’s audience.

Grazia: What was it that drew you to Bharatanatyam?

Apeksha Niranjan: What initially drew me to Bharatanatyam was its ability to tell stories through a perfect blend of rhythm, expression, and grace. I was captivated by the intricate footwork, the eloquent gestures, and the expressive use of the eyes. I feel it is a medium to convey my feelings, expressions, and thoughts, and explore various subjects that are close to my heart.

G: You’ve trained under some of the most respected gurus. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from them?