B.S. Ajeetha, a Bharatanatyam dancer and former student of Kalakshetra, a renowned dance institution in Chennai, has spoken out about the sexual harassment and abuse she and other students faced at the hands of their teachers. In an interview, Ajeetha recounted her experiences and called for a systemic change in the way Indian classical arts are taught and practiced.
According to Ajeetha, the harassment started when she was 15 and continued for several years. She and her classmates were subjected to unwanted touching, lewd comments, and demands for sexual favours by their male teachers, who held positions of power and authority. Despite their complaints to the management, the teachers were not held accountable and were allowed to continue their behaviour. Ajeetha eventually left Kalakshetra and pursued dance elsewhere.
Ajeetha’s revelations have sparked a public outcry and a renewed conversation about the prevalence of sexual harassment and abuse in the Indian classical arts community. Many artistes and activists have expressed their solidarity with Ajeetha and called for a comprehensive inquiry into the matter. Some have also pointed out the wider culture of patriarchy, hierarchy, and secrecy that enables such abuses to occur and go unchecked.
In the interview, Ajeetha emphasised the need for a holistic and inclusive approach to arts education that prioritises the safety, dignity, and creativity of the students. She urged the authorities to take responsibility for their negligence and misconduct and to create a supportive and respectful environment for all artistes. She also called upon the society at large to break the silence and stigma around sexual harassment and to stand up for the survivors.
Ajeetha’s courage and resilience have inspired many to speak up and demand justice for the victims of sexual abuse. Her message is clear: what happened at Kalakshetra should not be swept under the rug or normalised, but should be seen as an eye-opener and a call to action. The Indian classical arts, like any other field, must be accountable and transparent, and must uphold the principles of integrity, diversity, and human rights.