In our SG60 series, we also want to give a spotlight to people who show who we’ve become—not just through milestones, but through creativity. Shruthi Nair is one such figure: a Singaporean dancer selected to perform six times at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, representing our nation’s artistic heart.
From Viral Video to Global Showcase
Shruthi first captured global attention seven years ago, when her Indo‑Contemporary fusion dance—mixing classical Bharatanatyam, hip-hop, and Carnatic music—went viral with 11 million YouTube views. Messages poured in from as far as South Africa and Canada, affirming the universal power of her performance.
Arts as Cultural Convergence
Now 28, Shruthi uses dance to explore identity and community. Her signature style—mudras, footwork, and storytelling—reflects Singapore’s blend of old and new. As she said, her movement “mirrors our nation, where the traditional and old, and the modern and new can all exist at the same time.”
Taking the Stage in Osaka
From 31 May to 1 June 2025, Shruthi performs at the Singapore Pavilion with six programmes titled Dream Rhythms, choreographed around the Japanese myth The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter’s Daughter (Princess Kaguya), infusing Indian classical dance with contemporary fusion.
Her narrative bridges cultures — spotlighting how art connects people across borders, echoing SG60’s multicultural harmony.
Craft, Courage & Creativity
Shruthi’s professional journey hasn’t been easy. After leaving a stable marketing job in 2023, she embraced freelancing—a path full of financial ups and downs. Her Osaka opportunity arrived during a lull, reigniting her belief in the impact of arts. As she told CNA: “When I dance, those feelings dissipate … I am at my best self when I’m dancing.”
SG60 Through The Arts
This story spotlights Singapore’s maturity—not just as an economic hub, but a creative nation where artists like Shruthi tell our multicultural story to the world. With passion, fusion, and resilience, she embodies the spirit of SG60.
Because in Singapore, excellence is not just engineered—it’s choreographed, composed, and performed.
