Parama Roy Bardhan - Grace, Grit, and Global Expression through Bharatanatyam.
- Mark Walmsley FRSA AGSM
- Apr 15
- 6 min read
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Meet Parama Roy Bardhan, a pioneering Bharatanatyam Dancer.
In our interview with Parama Roy Bardhan, Mark created her fantasy cultural year from the answers to some easy questions. Expect surprises, conversational detours, laughs and anecdotes.
Born in Khardah, a suburb of Kolkata, Parama Roy Bardhan began her journey in Indian classical dance at the tender age of four. Raised in an artistic household, she was introduced to various creative disciplines early on.
At the age of eight, she began learning Kathak, but it was Bharatanatyam that truly captured her heart. Under the guidance of Guru Sri Pradeepta Niyogi, she trained in Bharatanatyam for twelve years, developing both technical excellence and emotional depth in the art form.
Her path took a poignant turn following the untimely loss of her father, which led her to focus on academics in order to support her family. She pursued a BTech in Software Engineering and eventually began working in the field. After marrying in 2014, Parama settled in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States, where she continued her career as a full-time software professional.
Despite her demanding profession, Parama's passion for dance remained alive. In 2019, she made the life-changing decision to reconnect with Bharatanatyam. By 2021, having regained her professional performance calibre, she debuted onstage once again, initially performing within the Indian community in Atlanta before venturing onto multicultural stages across the USA.
Parama quickly distinguished herself as a solo Bharatanatyam performer in an environment where Indian classical dance was often limited to group performances within community-based events.
“I questioned why Indian classical art forms weren’t more visible on American stages beyond the Indian community,” she reflects.
Determined to change the narrative, she sought out opportunities to showcase her work on inclusive, cross-cultural platforms.
Her breakthrough came with performances at notable multicultural events such as the Johns Creek International Festival and the Cobb County International Festival. At the latter, she was the sole performer representing India, selected alongside artists from eight other countries. Her electrifying performance of Thillana captivated audiences from diverse backgrounds and drew praise from organisations including the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, with her work featured in both Appen Media and the Marietta Daily Journal.
However, the journey was far from easy. In the early stages of her return to dance, Parama faced a setback at a professional zonal competition. Despite being commended by the judges and audience, she was not awarded the top prize—something she attributes to internal politics.
This experience, rather than disheartening her, ignited her resolve to reach larger and more credible platforms. She began applying to national and international festivals and competitions hosted by prestigious bodies such as the Indian Cultural Council, the Australian Council, and the U.S. Arts Council.
Her decision paid off. Recognition and awards followed—including the Best Traditional Dancer in the Professional Category from the Australian Cultural Heritage Council. Her performances now span both India and the West, and she is increasingly sought after on international stages.
In addition to performing, Parama has embraced the role of educator and choreographer. She has conducted workshops and school demonstrations, introducing young students to the cultural richness and physical discipline of Bharatanatyam. Her choreographic works have been warmly received by the Indian diaspora and beyond.
Parama is a firm believer in the holistic benefits of Bharatanatyam.
“It’s not just an art form,” she says. “It enhances mental focus, physical stamina, and emotional well-being. Regular practice supports cardiovascular health, improves circulation, and even enhances eyesight through eye movements. The nine emotions—Navarasa—expressed in Bharatanatyam make the mind meditative and focused.”
Looking to the future, Parama aspires to found her own dance school, where she can teach and inspire the next generation of Bharatanatyam dancers. Her long-term vision is to promote Indian classical dance globally, encouraging its appreciation across cultures and ensuring its preservation and relevance in the modern world.
Today, with a career that spans over seventeen years, Parama Roy Bardhan stands as a beacon of artistic dedication—honouring tradition while fearlessly embracing the world stage.
Parama Roy Bardhan's Fantasy Cultural Year
In a delightful and imaginative interview with Mark Walmsley of the Arts and Culture Network, internationally recognised Bharatanatyam dancer Parama Roy Bardhan stepped into a fantasy scenario: a year devoted entirely to cultural exploration around the world.
Guided by Mark’s questions and Parama’s thoughtful responses, this whimsical journey unfolded like a beautifully choreographed performance.
The year begins in Paris, where Parama finds herself seated at a pavement café, gazing at the Eiffel Tower on a warm June evening. On the table before her sits a glass of homemade lemonade—her drink of choice—and a book steeped in history and art.
A passionate lover of cultural heritage, Parama’s reading might involve the ancient stories of Ajanta and Ellora or the classical civilisations of Athens. She also reminisced fondly about her childhood love of detective novels, especially those in her mother tongue, Bengali, and her admiration for Sherlock Holmes.
Then, as if lifted from a dream, a wealthy French cultural foundation—having seen her mesmerising dance performances—offers her an extraordinary opportunity: a year-long, all-expenses-paid global tour to introduce audiences to the beauty and discipline of Indian classical dance.
Accompanied by her own troupe of musicians and dancers, she would perform, choreograph, and teach, with the promise of a book deal, a television series, a TED Talk, and a university lecture tour to follow.
Her first stop? Sydney, Australia—a natural choice given her current involvement in a choreography project with artists from the Australian Cultural Heritage Council. As she flies first class from Paris, a steward hands her a refreshing lemonade and a note from the foundation with a curious request: for the duration of the year, she must choose one type of music to listen to exclusively. After careful thought, Parama selects soothing, meditative music, which she finds both emotionally healing and creatively inspiring.
In Sydney, she is taken to a remarkable dance performance—brought to life by Mark’s time-travelling magic wand. The show opens with classical ballet, followed by a powerful piece of ancient Indian classical dance, reflecting Parama’s deep appreciation for diverse traditions. Later that evening, she dines on sushi, one of her favourite international dishes.
The tour continues to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From her flat, she can see both the Christ the Redeemer statue and the sweeping bay. It’s sports day, and although not a keen follower of sport, Parama gamely chooses to attend a football match, especially one featuring Brazil and India—joined by friends who help her follow the game’s rhythm and rules.
In Rio’s cutting-edge virtual reality gallery, Parama steps into the dreamlike world of Salvador Dalí, wandering through his surrealist paintings. However, it is Brazil’s traditional art forms that capture her imagination most—particularly Capoeira, the dynamic blend of dance and martial arts, which she is eager to witness and understand.
Next comes London, where she reunites with Mark for a week of nightly cultural outings. On Monday, they attend a Coldplay concert; Tuesday brings a Shakespearean play—Macbeth, fittingly at the Globe Theatre. Wednesday is for a West End musical, Thursday the opera, where they enjoy Puccini’s Madam Butterfly, and Friday ends with a film screening. Though Parama modestly admits she isn’t much of a filmgoer, she agrees to re-watch the evocative Slumdog Millionaire, appreciating its music and emotional depth.
During a leisurely sushi lunch in London, Parama is given the chance to invite anyone, past or present, to join her. Without hesitation, she names her husband, whom she credits as her greatest supporter and constant encourager. In a touching reversal, when asked whom her husband might invite if not her, she replies that it would likely be one of his favourite tennis players—perhaps Nadal or Djokovic.
As this magical year draws to a close, Parama returns home—not to rest, but to embark on the next phase of her mission: a global lecture tour, introducing students and audiences alike to the physical, emotional, and spiritual depth of Bharatanatyam. Her performances, workshops, and talks will continue to bridge cultures, inspire new generations, and preserve an art form that has shaped her life.
Parama Roy Bardhan’s fantasy cultural year is more than a flight of fancy—it is a reflection of her artistry, curiosity, humility, and unshakable commitment to cultural connection. With Mark Walmsley’s imaginative direction, her inner world unfolded in a story of light, movement, and cross-cultural celebration.
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Mark Walmsley FRSA FCIM AGSM
Chief Culture Vulture
Arts & Culture Network
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