10-Year-Old Bharatanatyam Dancer Ananya Mesmerizes Hyderabad with ‘Navaratnam’ Performance
Hyderabad: A remarkable evening celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage unfolded at Ravindra Bharati, where 10-year-old Bharatanatyam prodigy S.P. Ananya, based in Germany, captivated audiences with her Telangana debut performance, “Navaratnam.”
The unique Bharatanatyam production explored the spiritual significance, symbolism, and mythology of the nine sacred gemstones (Navaratnas) and their association with the Navagrahas, beautifully blending classical dance, storytelling, music, and Indian tradition into an unforgettable cultural experience.
A disciple of Guru Veenashri Vijaykumar Alange, Ananya showcased exceptional grace, expressive abhinaya, rhythmic footwork, and remarkable stage presence far beyond her years. Through each performance, she narrated the origin, colors, energies, and cultural importance of gemstones including Ruby, Pearl, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire (Topaz), Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gomedhika, Vaidurya (Cat’s Eye), and Vidruma (Coral), highlighting their spiritual and astrological significance.
Adding to the evening’s grandeur was a special violin recital titled “Carnatic Re-imagined” by Ananya’s father, S.P. Subrahmanyam. The performance featured a soulful Ganapati Prarthana in Hamsadhwani, an improvisational presentation in Arabhi, and concluded with a moving tribute to legendary violin maestro Dr. L. Subramaniam, inspired by the iconic Surabhi television theme.
The family has a distant connection to legendary playback singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, while Ananya’s brother, S.P. Shankar, has also earned recognition as a two-time Young Scientist Award recipient, reflecting the family’s dedication to excellence in both arts and academics.
Speaking about the production, Ananya’s mother Divya Mangala, herself a former classical dancer, said the presentation was designed to inspire younger generations and global audiences to appreciate India’s timeless cultural traditions. By combining mythology, astrology, Carnatic music, and Bharatanatyam, Navaratnam offers a meaningful journey into India’s spiritual and artistic heritage.
Having travelled from Germany specifically for this performance, Ananya’s Telangana debut highlights the growing enthusiasm among the Indian diaspora to preserve, learn, and showcase India’s classical arts on international platforms.
The event concluded with heartfelt appreciation from the organizers, who thanked art lovers, students, families, and cultural organizations for supporting an evening dedicated to celebrating India’s classical dance, music, and enduring cultural legacy.