Exploring the complex dynamics of transnational Indian womanhood, Rumya Sree Putcha analyzes how the public persona of the Indian classical dancer shapes global perceptions of India. She critiques the reinforcement of caste hierarchies and ethnonationalism through this archetype, which has been perpetuated by film culture since the 1930s. By examining various cultural artifacts and personal narratives, Putcha highlights the disconnection between women's voices and bodies, proposing a fresh understanding of the intersections of performance, gender, and identity.
