An ode to guru Dhandayuthapani Pillai

On Dhandayuthapani Pillai’s birth centenary, remembering the doyen whose compositions have enriched the Bharatanatyam repertoire

The day I first met guru Dhandayuthapani Pillai remains etched in my memory. I was six years old. My parents had been wanting me to train under him. And when they succeeded, they thought I was blessed to be his disciple. When I walked into his school, Natya Kalalayam, I was ushered in by Natanam sir and a few dance teachers. Then came vathiyar (his disciples referred to him as that), dressed immaculately. He had the undeniable aura of a celebrated guru. From day one, I hero-worshipped him. I cherished every moment learning from him and always tried to earn his appreciation. He would always be walking around class, overseeing our practice or rehearsal.