Long before she was known as a dancer, Dr Jagyaseni Chatterjee was a little girl with a diary and a world of thoughts. Every New Year, her late uncle would gift her a fresh diary—an empty world where she scribbled dreams, sketched make-believe stories, made wish lists, and whispered secrets between the lines. Somewhere between growing up and chasing time, those diary entries faded—but the words never left her.

What began as quiet journaling blossomed into a writing career rooted in observation, rhythm, and a profound connection to Indian culture. From a humble neighbourhood paper to the buzzing newsroom of The Deccan Chronicle as Sub-Editor, Jagyaseni's pen found its voice. Yet, the fast-paced life of a journalist clashed with her calling as a classical dancer. Choosing soul over salary, she stepped away from full-time journalism to give dance her all—only to discover that words would follow her there too.

She has written regularly for The Friday Review (The Hindu), The Sunday Magazine (The New Indian Express), and platforms like JFW, Culturama, Women Exclusive, Metroplus, and more. Her writing spans themes of Indian classical dance, cultural heritage, aesthetics, performance spaces, and the often-unseen life behind the stage.

Today, she is a recognised cultural writer in Chennai and a passionate contributor to India’s vibrant arts narrative. Currently, she serves on the editorial team of Sruti Magazine, India’s leading journal on performing arts—an extension of her artistic worldview and critical insight into classical dance and music.

A dancer, editor, and seeker in equal measure, Jagyaseni is carving a distinct voice in the Indian fine arts writing space. Her book Learn Dance with Suki, published by GIRI Trading Agency, reflects her passion to spread education and cultural intellect using the medium of Bharatanatyam.

In her quiet hours, she writes of friendship and remembered rebellions, of women’s silences and songs, of sunflowers that refuse to bow—channelling a spirit that echoes Tagore’s quiet resistance and lyrical introspection.

Click to read her articles.