A recent Bharatanatyam performance by actor, choreographer, and filmmaker Prabhu Deva has become the centre of a heated online debate. The veteran dancer performed at an event in Chennai held to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Guru Sri Udupi Lakshmi Narayanan. The performance was hailed by many as a tribute to his guru but also drew criticism from a section of classical dance lovers. Things took a turn when Preethi, the wife of cinema and television actor Sanjeev (who is also a trained dancer), publicly expressed her views on the performance.

Preethi questions the classical presentation of the performance

Reacting to the viral video, Preethi expressed disappointment over how the Bharatanatyam routine was presented on social media. She said, “Classical dance is the only form that is repeatedly performed incorrectly, yet people continue to appreciate it without questioning it. I never expected a legendary dancer like Prabhu Deva to make such an unforgivable mistake.”She further added, “Instead of giving this opportunity to him, it could have been given to a young dancer who has trained extensively in Bharatanatyam. It would have been a meaningful recognition for an emerging artiste.” Her comments quickly went viral on social media, sparking a range of reactions from fans and the dance community.

Social media remains divided over the criticism

In the aftermath of Preethi’s comments, opinions are still sharply divided. She was supported by some users who said that classical forms of dancing must be performed strictly according to their grammar and technique. Others defended Prabhu Deva, noting that the performance was more of a tribute to his guru than a formal Bharatanatyam recital. Several fans also pointed towards the actor’s huge contribution to Indian dance over the years and felt his intention should be appreciated. The debate has raged online ever since, with both sides posting their views on artistic freedom and the importance of maintaining classical traditions.

Prabhu Deva continues to balance acting and choreography

Prabhu Deva is one of India’s leading dancers and choreographers and has a successful career in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and other film industries. He has also become well known as an actor, director and producer, choreographing countless hit songs. His unique style of dance has inspired generations of performers and earned him a huge fan base.