In the seventh century,  Andal, a mystic poet in Tamil Nadu wrote 173 verses. The first 30 — revolving around family life, children, timely rains, good harvest and agriculture were called Tiruppavai, which she penned at the age of 12. The rest of the lesser-known 143 verses, called Naachiyar Tirumozhi (sacred songs of the lady), are filled with sexual passion. She wrote these at the age of 17.

This week, Dr Anita Ratnam, Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, celebrated Indian classical performer, and founder of global Indian dance portal Narthaki.com, will perform her fifth work on the elusive writings of Andal in Nachiyaar Next at a BKC venue. The danseuse will present a dance-theatre ode to the poet using Neo Bharatam — an approach that braids her interests in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam, Kathakali along with the meditative arts like Yoga and Tai Chi — chanting and music in an all-female ensemble.