Math to mudras: Lalitha Anand retraces path back to Bharatanatyam

Lalitha Anand, wife of Commissioner of Police CV Anand, makes her Bharatanatyam debut at 57, inspiring with her journey.

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.”

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.