selfies

Amma taught me Bharatanatyam in our small Chennai studio, her weathered hands guiding mine through mudras passed down generations. When I finally performed solo, trembling beneath stage lights, she captured a selfie of us both—her face radiant with pride. That photograph became ultimate validation, better than any applause. Affordable joy, really, needing only her phone and belief in me. Years later, I teach Tamil children these same movements. They photograph themselves mastering steps, sharing their heritage online. Each image threads us closer—a living chain of culture, connection, and community breathing through generations.