Told ‘Bharatanatyam Isn’t for Boys’, He Kept Dancing Through Money Problems & Gender Bias

Amit Debnath, growing up in Nadia, West Bengal, faced the persistent challenge of gender bias surrounding his love for Bharatanatyam. Despite being told that the classical dance form was "for girls," Amit continued to pursue his passion, which brought him happiness, confidence, and a sense of belonging. The dance captivated him with its intricate footwork, rhythm, expressive movements, and the ability to tell stories without words, even as he navigated societal assumptions about interests meant for boys and girls. He credits the art form with teaching him discipline and building his self-assurance.

Later in life, financial difficulties presented another significant hurdle. Amit was compelled to leave his dance classes and relocate to Mumbai to earn a living and support his family, halting his formal training. Responsibilities mounted, and bills became immediate priorities, meaning dance could no longer occupy the same central place in his daily routine. Nevertheless, his deep love for Bharatanatyam endured, and he continued to practice whenever time permitted, finding ways to keep this vital part of himself alive amidst challenging circumstances.

Today, Amit actively shares his Bharatanatyam performances through videos on his Instagram account, @classical__amit. His primary hope is to reach and inspire other boys who might love dancing but feel embarrassed or discouraged by similar societal judgments. He wants them to know they can dance too, encapsulating this message in two Bengali words: "Amio parbo," meaning "I can do it too." Amit's journey, marked by financial struggles, interrupted training, and gender stereotypes, informs his mission to encourage others to pursue their passions without fear.

He understands the difficulties of following a passion when life demands other responsibilities, yet he persists in sharing his art. His simple hope is that a young boy watching his performances might gain the confidence to take a first Bharatanatyam class or return to a passion they were once dissuaded from. Seeing someone else pursue their dreams can often inspire others to reconsider what they thought was possible, empowering them to echo his powerful message: "Amio parbo."

Why it matters: Amit Debnath's journey highlights the importance of pursuing one's passion despite societal and financial obstacles, inspiring others to challenge gender stereotypes in classical arts.

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