“Two Wheels, One Journey: The Balance of Men and Women in Society”:Prof. Radhika Nair
An Exclusive Interview with Prof. Radhika Premanandhan Nair
On Women’s Day, we sit down with Prof. Radhika Premanandhan Nair, a distinguished professor of Indian Classical Dance Bharata Natyam at Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with Mumbai University, to discuss the relevance of women’s empowerment, safety, and the impact of artistic pursuits on women’s lives.
Q: Women’s empowerment is a widely discussed topic today. How do you view its relevance in modern society?
Prof. Radhika Nair: Women’s empowerment is not just a topic of discussion—it is a necessity. I often compare men and women to the two wheels of a bicycle. Society may see the man as the front wheel, leading the way, but the back wheel—the woman—carries the real weight, ensuring balance and progress. Unfortunately, history has often overlooked the contributions of women.
Ancient civilizations worshipped the Mother Goddess, recognizing women as the creators and nurturers of society. They were the first agriculturalists, the ones who laid the foundation for settlements. Yet today, when we think of a farmer, we picture a man. This is the result of a patriarchal mindset that took hold once men realized their role in reproduction, overshadowing the contributions of women.
Empowerment is about breaking these outdated perceptions and ensuring that men and women are seen as equals. We are not competitors but partners in building a progressive world.
Q: Mumbai is often considered one of the safer cities for women. Do you believe that women and girls are truly safe today?
Prof. Radhika Nair: Women, to a great extent, may feel safe, but the real concern lies with young girls and children. Recent cases in schools in Badlapur and Thane have shaken every family’s confidence. When I was a child, I could freely play with my friends, visit their houses, and walk to school. Today, parents hesitate to let their children step outside alone.
Incidents of child abduction, eve-teasing, and digital harassment (such as morphed photos) have made parents more cautious. It’s ironic—as the world advances, our minds seem to regress in morality. Women are often objectified, treated as commodities rather than individuals with ambitions and intelligence.
We need to change this mindset. Women are not instruments for anyone’s use; they are equal souls with different roles and purposes. Until we recognize this, we will continue to live in fear rather than progress.
Q: As an artist and professor, how do you think artistic activities impact women’s lives?
Prof. Radhika Nair: Art is a powerful tool for expression, healing, and change. Personally, art has made me more sensitive to the challenges of society and has given me a platform to address them. Through dance, theatre, music, and painting, we bring issues to light in ways that deeply resonate with people.
There is a common misconception that the arts are an easy field, meant only for women. But historically, some of the toughest subjects at institutions like Nalanda and Takshashila were taught by women. Whether in science, law, or arts, women have proved their excellence.
Art has the ability to empower women by giving them a voice to express social issues and personal experiences. It provides them with a career path that aligns with their passion, allowing them to grow both creatively and financially. It also challenges gender stereotypes in creative fields and helps break long-standing societal norms. Art can be deeply therapeutic, helping women heal from personal and social struggles, while also strengthening their confidence and identity. It allows women to create economic independence, whether through professional careers in painting, music, dance, or other artistic endeavors. Artistic engagement fosters innovation, enhances leadership skills, and provides women with an important role in shaping cultural narratives.
Women who embrace the arts do not just survive; they thrive. They inspire, educate, and lead.
Q: You pursued a Master of Fine Arts, a field many considered unconventional. Can you share your journey and challenges?
Prof. Radhika Nair: Yes, I still remember the skepticism I faced when I chose this field. People questioned my decision, saying I had made a mistake. I even fell into depression, doubting my choices.
But one of my seniors Dimple Nair changed my perspective. She told me, “Look at your friends in commerce and science. They are spending thousands on tuition, and after degrees and masters, they still need further certifications like CA, CS, or ICWA. Meanwhile, you are already earning while pursuing your dream in your Degree second year. You are working in your field and building your future.”
Her words gave me strength, and she was right. Today, I have proved myself, built a career, and even surpassed many of my schoolmates in professional stability. The arts have diverse allied fields, and switching within them provides endless opportunities. Passion, not just profession, defines success.
Q: What benefits do women gain from empowerment and artistic pursuits?
Prof. Radhika Nair: Women’s empowerment provides financial independence, allowing them to take control of their lives and contribute to their families and society. It builds confidence and dignity, helping women recognize their self-worth and make decisions without fear. It breaks social barriers, enabling women to challenge traditional roles and establish themselves in any field they choose. Empowerment ensures better representation, allowing women’s voices to shape policy, media, and cultural narratives.
When women are empowered, communities become stronger because educated and independent women uplift not just themselves but also those around them. A society that respects and includes women experiences lower crime rates and stronger social structures. Empowered women also focus on their health and mental well-being, encouraging future generations to do the same. Most importantly, empowerment gives women freedom of choice—the ability to decide their education, career, and personal life without external restrictions.
Empowerment is not about superiority but about balance and recognition. It is about allowing women to contribute freely, just as men do. When women rise, the world rises with them.
Q: What message would you like to give on Women’s Day?
Prof. Radhika Nair: I want to tell every young girl and woman: Follow your dreams fearlessly. Do not let societal norms dictate your potential. Whether in science, arts, business, or any field, believe in yourself and your capabilities.
The world may doubt you at first, but success lies in persistence and passion. Be proud of who you are, lift others along the way, and never stop striving for equality. Together, we build a world where women are not just included, but celebrated.
This Women’s Day, let us empower, educate, and elevate every woman, not just in words but in actions.
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(Prof.Radhika Premanandhan Nair is a Bharata Natyam exponent, choreographer, Nattuvanar, vocalist, and an esteemed educator. She holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Bharata Natyam from Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with Mumbai University. Additionally, she has earned Post Graduate Diplomas in Dance and Fitness, Comparative Mythology, and a Diploma in Sanskrit from Mumbai University. Trained in Carnatic vocal music, she blends artistic and scholarly expertise in her practice.
Currently pursuing doctoral research under the guidance of Uma Rele, she serves as a Professor of Bharata Natyam at her alma mater. She is also the Founder-Director of Bharatakalalayam (est. 1997), an institute dedicated to performing arts in Dombivli.
With years of experience as an instructor, cultural coordinator, event organizer, lecturer, and paper presenter, she has contributed to various educational institutions, universities, and cultural organizations. She is deeply committed to social outreach, imparting dance education to underprivileged students free of cost.
She played a pivotal role as the cultural coordinator and choreographer for Mumbai Pooram Maha Kaikotikali 2010, which entered the Limca Book of World Records, and Mumbai Pooram Maha Kaikotikali 2012, which secured a place in the Guinness World Records.)
Interview by Murali Peralasseri
