Renowned dancer and actor Swarnamalya Ganesh has opened up about her deep-seated love for Chennai, speaking extensively about the unique qualities that make the city stand out to her. Reflecting on her personal experiences and the emotions tied to the metropolis, she paints a vivid picture of what it means to call Chennai home.
“Wherever you go to, whichever part of the world you go to, I love that familiar feeling you get when you return home,” Swarnamalya said, highlighting a sentiment that resonates deeply with many Chennaiites. The feeling of home transcends physical attributes and taps into emotional and psychological experiences. Being away from Chennai often triggers nostalgic memories that make the city all the more precious upon return. She recalls a particular instance, “Once, I was away from the country for three to four months, and I imagined the streets of Nungambakkam for no reason. I do not even live in Nungambakkam. But that is how much the city has spoken to me.”
Nungambakkam, with its iconic streets and vibrant atmosphere, serves as a symbol of Chennai’s enduring charm for Swarnamalya. This unbidden memory signifies how certain places in the city hold an inexplicable, almost magnetic, pull on its inhabitants and former residents. These imaginations are deeply embedded in the collective consciousness of people who have spent significant portions of their lives here, attesting to the city’s undeniable allure.
Swarnamalya’s ideal vision of Chennai includes a revival of its architectural heritage. “I would love for the Art Deco buildings to be back in the city. Those independent houses, with lots of avenue trees and the greenery; that is the part of Madras that I absolutely love,” she stated passionately. Art Deco buildings, with their distinctive style that was once a popular architectural trend, symbolize an era gone by.
. Their potential revival stands not just as a nod to historical preservation, but also as a testament to the city’s balance between tradition and modernity.
Alongside the appeal of Art Deco architecture, the multifaceted nature of Chennai’s buildings holds a special place in Swarnamalya’s heart. “The parts of Madras with Indo-Saracenic buildings are the ones I want to hold onto,” she said. The Indo-Saracenic style, which embodies a blend of Indian and Gothic revival architecture, speaks volumes about the cultural confluence that Chennai is known for. It is a physical manifestation of the city’s historical interactions with diverse cultures and its ongoing narrative of inclusivity.
While preserving its rich architectural legacy, Swarnamalya is equally appreciative of the contemporary developments shaping Chennai. “The energy of the young people, and the meeting of the north and the south Chennai that has happened more recently is a huge welcome change,” she observed. The recent integration of North and South Chennai represents a societal shift towards greater unity and cohesiveness. Young people, with their vibrant energy and innovative ideas, are driving these changes, melding the old and the new to create a modern Chennai that pays homage to its past while moving forward.
As Chennai celebrates its storied legacy and looks to a future filled with promise, Swarnamalya extends her heartfelt wishes: “Happy birthday, Chennai!” Her sentiments echo the collective pride and affection Chennaiites feel for their city. Madras Week, as it is fondly referred to, is a time for reflection and celebration, where the city’s past, present, and future are discussed and cherished.
The stories and visions shared by Swarnamalya Ganesh add depth to our understanding of Chennai’s enduring appeal. Her perspective as an artist and a native brings to light not just the tangible attributes of the city, but also its soul—the indefinable quality that makes every alley, building, and tree a part of the greater tapestry that is Chennai. As the city grows and evolves, its spirit remains unchanged, continuing to charm and inspire those who call it home.
