Male dancers in India embrace traditional female roles

Male dancers in India are increasingly taking on female roles in traditional performances, continuing a long-standing practice. This includes styles like Gotipua, where boys dress as girls to perform for Lord Jagannath, and other classical forms like Kathakali and Kuchipudi. Artistes like Srikanth Natarajan and Radhakrishna Urala emphasize the emotional and physical challenges of portraying women. They highlight the importance of understanding the characters deeply, as their performances often require significant emotional investment and transformation. The trend reflects a broader shift in dance, where gender roles are becoming less rigid. Dancers are exploring self-expression beyond traditional gender norms, allowing for a more fluid interpretation of movement and character on stage.