Hardships to headlines

G Sundaramoorthi has showcased 154 varieties of traditional dances over 65 hours, earning him a place in the Asia Book of Records

G Sundaramoorthi performing Theyyam and Kathakali. ancing wasn’t just about moving to the rhythm for me; it was a journey of selfdiscovery,” shares G Sundaramoorthi, reflecting on his extraordinary path from hardship to global recognition.

Sundaramoorthi’s commitment to his craft led him to achieve a monumental feat: showcasing 154 varieties of traditional dances over 65 hours, earning him a coveted place in the Asia Book of Records. Born in Gobichettipalayam, Sundaramoorthi’s path to becoming a renowned traditional dancer was marked by struggle, resilience, and dedication to preserving cultural heritage.

Gunashekaran and his mother Indrani relocated to Chennai when he was three after her divorce, settling in a slum near Arrakonam. She worked in a

“Dclerical post to support her family. Sundaramamoorthi’s family’s strong ties to the Kambathu Attam, a traditional dance form of the Kongu region, and his mother’s passion for Bharatanatyam laid the foundation for his journey into the world of dance.

His love for dancing began during the lively local temple festivals, where he danced for hours. Recognising his potential, his mother introduced him to Thirutani Kovil Narthagi Mudhugachiyammal, a respected Bharatanatyam teacher. “Personally, I did not have any interest in learning Bharatanatyam. My mother would give me money to watch films with my friends, with the condition that I should learn Bharatanatyam. That’s how my journey started,” he recalls.

Three years later, Sundaramoorthi enrolled in the Tamil Nadu Music College in Chennai to study Bharatanatyam, specialising in the Thanjavur style and did his