Classical Dancer's Derogatory Remarks Against Male Artist Sparks Outrage

Classical dance forms in India often find themselves swirled around the stigma that they are only for women and the males interested in taking up the art form are often condemned and degraded with sexist remarks and slurs. While many classical dance gurus and artists have been supportive of the dance form being inclusive to all genders, a recent statement made by Kalamandalam Sathyabhama raises questions about acceptance and diversity. Sathyabhama, a renowned dancer from Kerala, allegedly remarked that Mohiniyattam is meant to be performed by 'Mohinis' (beautiful women) while commenting on a fellow male dancer in an interview.

Kerala Classical Dancer Makes Derogatory Remarks Against Male Artist

The world of Kerela's classical dance is swirling in controversy after dancer Kalamandalam Sathyabhama made disparaging remarks about a male colleague in a recent YouTube interview. Sathyabhama, a celebrated Mohiniyattam performer, suggested the dance form, traditionally practised by women, is not suited for men, remarking that Mohiniyattam is performed by 'Mohinis' (beautiful women). 

She did not stop with her derogatory remarks there as her comments as she further criticised a male dancer's skin tone implying his appearance detracted from the dance. She stated, "His complexion was like a crow, and he looked ugly to perform the art." This colourist comment, along with her assertion that men look unpleasant performing Mohiniyattam, has sparked outrage across Kerala and reignited the debate about inclusivity in classical arts.

Both the ruling Left Democratic Front and the opposition Indian National Congress have condemned Sathyabhama's remarks. The comments have also drawn criticism from the artistic community. 

Later, a prominent male Mohiniyattam dancer RLV Ramakrishnan, brother of the late Malayalam actor Kalabhavan Mani directly targetted Sathyabhama posting a Facebook video where he expressed his disappointment in her statement, suggesting it was directed at him as he claimed she has insulted him repetitively. "An artist with the precious tag of Kalamandalam before her name has been insulting me again and again. This respected guru has insulted me earlier when I was in Kalamandalam as well."

RLV also stated that Sathyabhama was not interested in him pursuing a PhD in dance form as he also expressed, "Due to such people, an artist from the Scheduled Caste cannot continue in the dance field today."

Sathyabhama's stance seems rooted in the historical context of Mohiniyattam, which translates to "dance of the enchantress" and depicts feminine grace and beauty. However, art forms evolve. Should a dancer's talent be overshadowed by their gender or skin colour?