“Dance has been a part of my life since I was a child. I grew up watching and learning about different classical dance forms, but it was only when I was in 7th standard that I truly came across Perini Natyam, the traditional dance form of Telangana.
That summer, Perini Sandeep Master—who was from my school announced free Perini Natyam classes during the holidays. My sister wanted to join, so I went along with her. At first, I was just there to accompany her. I didn’t plan on learning anything. But as I watched the classes and tried a few steps casually, I slowly began to enjoy it. Before I knew it, I was learning Perini Natyam alongside her.
In the beginning, my parents weren’t very sure about me pursuing dance seriously. But over time, as they watched me perform on different stages and saw the recognition I was receiving, their hesitation turned into belief. That support made all the difference.
Perini Natyam has a strong history. It goes back to the Kakatiya dynasty, when warriors performed it before heading into battle. There’s a raw energy and discipline in the form that sets it apart. I’ve been learning and performing Perini Natyam for close to 10 years now. This art form, revived by the legendary dance guru Nataraja Ramakrishna Garu, continues to inspire us.
For a long time, Perini Natyam was seen as a dance meant only for men. But with the efforts of visionaries like Kala Krishna Master, that idea has changed, and today people of all genders are learning and performing it. After Telangana State formation in 2014, there has been a renewed focus on preserving and promoting our cultural traditions, which has helped Perini Natyam reach more people. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to perform across different parts of India. One of my proudest moments was performing in front of Telangana CM Revanth Reddy sir and Minister Seethakka ma’am, along with several other dignitaries. Today, I also train a few students in Hyderabad under the guidance of my Perini Sandeep Master. I’m grateful to Perini Rajkumar garu, Harikrishna Mamidi sir, and many others who have worked consistently to take this art form forward.”
- Perini Chitty, Classical Dancer