The Chennai Dancers Club (TDC), founded by Suren, Arnold, and Anusha, is a leading Chennai-based dance academy and performance troupe offering training and paid dance services for films, events, and stage shows
Published Jul 19, 2025 | 9:44 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 19, 2025 | 10:08 PM
#MeToo in Chennai's leading dance club
Synopsis: Multiple women have taken to social media accusing Suren and Anusha, founders of The Chennai Dancers Club (TDC), of sexual misconduct. The prominent Chennai-based dance academy and performance company is now under scrutiny as former dancers allege exploitation and inappropriate behaviour. TDC, known for its work in films and private events, has sparked a broader conversation on abuse in creative industries
Several women have come forward on social media with allegations of sexual misconduct against TDC, or The Dancers Club, a Chennai-based dance organisation.
These accusations have been levelled against the founder Suren and co-founder Anusha by multiple former dancers who had worked with the group.
The Chennai Dancers Club (TDC) is a prominent dance school and performance company based in Chennai. It offers paid dance services for films, private events, music shows, and more, while also functioning as a dance academy training aspiring dancers. The group was founded and is operated by Suren, Arnold, and Anusha, and is well-known in Chennai’s dance scene.
screenshots of WhatsApp conversations
Recently, a former dancer from the group, using the Instagram handle marudaanimmy, posted screenshots of WhatsApp conversations with founder Suren, tagging the post under the hashtag #MeToo.
In these chats, Suren repeatedly asks intimate and personal questions, even after the woman clearly expressed discomfort. The screenshots indicate that Suren continued the inappropriate conversation with intent, despite her objections.
She also shared a photograph in which she alleged Suren had sexually harassed her. Following her post, several current and former dancers who trained or worked with TDC have come forward on Instagram to share their own experiences of harassment.
A particularly disturbing aspect of these testimonies is that many women alleged they were targeted by Suren when they were in the 11th or 12th grades — still in school — which has caused shock and outrage.
Instagram handle marudaanimmy
One woman who freelanced with the company (and wished to remain anonymous), said: “I worked with the organisation on a few events. When I told people I was going there, I was warned to be cautious and to keep an eye out for what’s happening with the dancers. On one occasion, we had a performance on the ECR road that ended around 2 a.m. But TDC made no transport arrangements for us to return. The organisation took no responsibility. We ended up waiting all night in a dark, deserted area until morning to make our way back home.”
She added: “Many friends who worked with this organisation have also spoken to me about similar incidents. It’s disturbing. For a long time, this organisation has been unsafe for women.”
In addition to the allegations against Suren, co-director Anusha has also been accused of being complicit. Several complainants alleged that she normalised such behaviour, saying, “This is common in the industry; women just have to adjust.” Despite publicly projecting feminist and inclusive values, Anusha has reportedly made inappropriate comments about women’s appearance and body in private, according to screenshots and testimonies.
So far, there is no indication that a police complaint has been filed. However, the allegations have caused widespread concern and conversation within Chennai’s dance community.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
