From academia to arangetram, Lalitha Anand’s inspiring dance debut at 57

Lalitha Anand (right), with her guru Vyshnavie Sainath, prepping for the big day.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Lalitha Anand, wife of Hyderabad Police Commissioner C.V. Anand, is set to make her Bharatanatyam arangetram at 57. Her performance at Ravindra Bharati here on December 8, will be presented by Vyshnavie Natya Centre. 

A scholar with a Ph.D from IIT-Madras and an accomplished researcher in mathematical statistics, Lalitha’s resumption of Bharatanatyam after decades of academic and personal commitments is as inspiring as it is unique.

Amid the bustle of rehearsals leading up to her big day, Lalitha radiates a sense of calm. She shares that her performance is driven purely by the joy it brings her.

Lalitha’s passion for Bharatanatyam began in her childhood when she trained at the Government School of Music and Dance, Ramkote and with gurus Uma Ramarao and Suvarnalatha. However, her academic pursuits and the economic pressures of the 1990s led her to prioritise education and a career over her art. After earning a Ph.D from IIT-Madras at the age of 40 and spending years as a researcher and teacher, she faced health challenges, including severe back pain, subsequent surgery and medication that led to diabetes, all of which became turning points in her life.

In 2021, Lalitha decided to reverse her diabetes through fitness and a balanced lifestyle. “I hated the idea of running on a treadmill,” she recalls. Rejoining dance classes as a form of cardio, Lalitha soon rediscovered her love for the art form. “Serious dancing was never part of my plan,” Lalitha shares with a smile.

“It all began when my husband and I were invited as chief guests for a performance by Rajeswari and Vyshnavie Sainath. I was moved by the mother and daughter duo dancing in perfect harmony; it left a lasting impression on me. After the event, they suggested that I consider taking up dance. It struck a chord, and I thought, why not? The next day, I found myself at Vyshnavie’s institute, ready to begin this exciting journey.”

Fitness and freedom

Lalitha Anand
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Overcoming physical challenges, including post-surgery recovery and diabetes management, was a monumental task. Lalitha credits water therapy, a disciplined diet, and her devotion to dance for her recovery and transformation. “Dance became my path to fitness and joy,” she says.

With her children having grown up and fewer domestic obligations, she found the time and freedom to dedicate herself fully to the art form.

Vyshnavie Sainath had initial apprehensions about how the wife of a top civil servant and a senior individual would blend into the student group: “But from day one, she shattered all those assumptions. Lalitha aunty was warm, approachable, and eager to learn — going so far as to ask six-year-olds to teach her mudras with genuine respect and curiosity. Her humility set the tone for the class, emphasising that age or status don’t matter.” 

Lalitha reflects thoughtfully when asked if she hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions regardless of age: “I believe my life itself carries that message. At 22 or 23, I didn’t face much struggle with my career choices. My husband and I were classmates at Nizam’s College, pursuing entirely different goals. He was focused on cracking the Civil Services examination while I was immersed in computers and statistics, with aspirations to study abroad. Mathematics and research were my world, and heading overseas felt like the natural path for me. But life had other plans, and we were in a relationship. When he cleared the Civil Services, I decided to stay back and support his journey. It was not a sacrifice, but a choice to build a life together, doing the best I could in this shared path.”

Lalitha Anand
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Does she need to balance her identity as an artiste with being the wife of a top civil servant now? “There is no question of a competitive identity,” Lalitha laughs. “Dance is not about proving a point or announcing that I’ve ‘arrived.’ It is a personal journey — a way to stay healthy, express myself, and celebrate the art. I am in awe of the many incredible classical dancers out there and greatly respect their craft. This performance is my tribute to the art form.”  

Academics to aesthetics

Reflecting on her dual identity as an academician and now a performer, Lalitha acknowledges the balance she has achieved. “Academically, I have done quite well. My research has been recognised at institutions like Harvard, but the joy of dance is different,” she explains.

Lalitha’s arangetram is steeped in personal significance. A devoted follower of Lord Shiva, she will perform a specially choreographed Varnam dedicated to the deity. Her guru, Vaishnavie, who teaches students ranging in age from 6 to 60, believes the key lies in the approach, not the challenge. She customises Lalitha’s training to align with her maturity and physical abilities while highlighting her unique strengths. “Lalitha is not trying to dance like a teenager. She brings depth, grace, and elegance shaped by her life.”