Smriti Bhagat

Concerned citizen, Idea generator, Student

Passion is something that bustles you with some sort of emotion. It is something that implants itself into our lives no matter what. When we find something we are passionate about, we want to get involved in it. For me, a similar drive comes from working to replace patriarchy with parity. A popular ad by Always raised a question, “When did doing something ‘like a girl’ become an insult?” It broke my heart to see that it wasn’t just the men, but women have come to believe it too; it’s because we’re blind to the shackles of conformity built around us, telling us what a woman should be and that’s what makes us hold back from our true potential. I have used multiple ways to express my views, Bharatanatyam being one of them. It is just another form of narration; it is a language in itself. Bharatanatyam involves adding emotions and vivid descriptions to the movements and gestures, that is akin to writing a sentence which conveys certain messages or ideas. I have tried using this channel to project my thoughts to the mass. Using this art form to pass on my message is even more empowering as traditionally the dancers were forced to perform it in order to please male deities and earthly lords; and here I was, using this very art form to break through the shackles of patriarchy.

Not only am I a Bharatnatyam dancer but I also enjoy playing Drums. This combination comes as a shock to many because these are extremely contrasting skills. I believe it just doesn’t break stereotypical image regarding these art forms but it is also an amalgamation of two different cultures, both inhibiting the same essence. Both the art forms taught me unwavering dedication and an attitude to never give up.