Deeptha Patrachari

I began my dance journey with Aunty when I was very young – a stiff, robotic dancer who she somehow turned graceful! But her lessons went far beyond dance. She taught me discipline, independence, time management and the importance of learning from everything around me.

She also made sure we learnt how to teach. Under her guidance, I trained other students, never realising how much that would shape me. Now, as a teacher myself, I truly understand how great she was – the patience, the effort and the love she poured into each student. Her dedication to the art was unmatched and I admire it even more today.

I recently moved to a new country and was reminded of something she once told us – Your degrees will help you, but dance will first open doors wherever you go. She was right, as always.

Beyond all the learning, what I miss most is her love and the time we spent with her. The evenings after tiring rehearsals, having masala pav together, her tittu – those little scoldings filled with care because she truly wanted us to be better. How we would crash at her place after college, just to learn and be around her. She was always welcoming, always encouraging, always making us feel at home. In her last days, she gifted me a saree which I wear every Vijayadashami in her memory.

She may be gone, but she is with me in every step I take and every student I teach. I hope her art continues to inspire many more generations, just as she inspired me.