Parama Roy Bardhan

Watch my interview with Mark here.

I’m Parama Roy Bardhan, a passionate Bharatanatyam performer with a journey rooted in devotion, resilience, and a deep love for Indian classical dance.

I was born and raised in Khardah, a suburb of Kolkata, in a family that encouraged artistic expression. I began dancing at the age of four, and although I briefly studied Kathak at the age of eight, it was Bharatanatyam that truly captured my heart. Under the guidance of my Guru, Sri Pradeepta Niyogi, I trained intensively for over 12 years, immersing myself in the spiritual and expressive depths of this timeless art form.

After the loss of my father, I had to make a difficult choice—to prioritise education and work in order to support my family. I completed a B.Tech. in Software Engineering and went on to build a career in technology. In 2014, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia, after getting married. While I worked full-time as a software professional, my heart never strayed far from Bharatanatyam.

In 2019, I made the decision to return to dance in a serious way. After years away from the stage, I gradually rebuilt my practice, and by 2021, I was performing once again—first at Indian community events, and later on multicultural platforms across the United States.

Performing as a solo Bharatanatyam artist in a space where classical dance is often showcased in groups was both challenging and empowering. I began participating in diverse festivals, including the Cobb County International Festival and the Johns Creek International Festival. At one such event, I was the only artist representing India among performers from eight nations. My solo performance of Thillana was met with heartfelt applause and media coverage in Appen Media and the Marietta Daily Journal.

Of course, the road was not always smooth. I faced discouragement in my early years in Atlanta when I was overlooked in a professional dance competition despite positive feedback from the audience and judges—an outcome I felt was politically influenced. Rather than letting it break my spirit, I chose to aim higher, applying to national and international festivals. In time, I was recognised by institutions such as the Indian Cultural Council, the Australian Council, and the U.S. Arts Council. One of my proudest achievements was being named Best Traditional Dancer in the Professional Category by the Australian Cultural Heritage Council.

Alongside my performances, I’ve also embraced opportunities to educate and share. I’ve been invited into schools to introduce children to the beauty and meaning of Bharatanatyam, and I’ve developed choreographic works that reflect both tradition and contemporary relevance.

For me, Bharatanatyam is not just a dance form—it’s a holistic discipline. It nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. Its physical practice builds stamina and flexibility, while its storytelling elements help us explore and express deep emotion. I often speak about its therapeutic value—from improving focus and circulation to reducing stress and enhancing emotional awareness.

With over 17 years of dedication to Bharatanatyam, my mission remains clear: to honour this art form, to share its richness with wider audiences, and to continue learning, growing, and connecting through dance.