THRISSUR: Dancer Kalamandalam Sathyabhama launched a scathing attack on R L V Ramakrishnan, artiste and brother of Kalabhavan Mani. In an interview with a YouTube channel, the dancer commented on RLV Ramakrishnan's complexion and performance. There are widespread protests on social media over her response.
Sathyabhama’s words
‘Those who play Mohiniyattam should always be mohinis. Ramakrishnan has the colour of a crow. It is an art form playing after keeping your feet apart. There is nothing more awkward than a man playing the artform keeping his legs apart. According to me men playing Mohiniyattam should have some beauty. Aren't there handsome boys? Not even his mother will bear his looks,’ said Kalamandalam Sathyabhama.
Meantime, RLV Ramakrishnan informed that legal action will be taken against the insult. Ramakrishnan responded through social media that it is a situation where an artiste from a Scheduled Caste cannot stay the dance field due to such people. He also clarified that people with rotten minds like this will be brought before the law.
Ramakrishnan said
A famed artist has been insulting me again and again.
She insulted my complexion and is there any fast rule that only good-looking people can play Mohiniyattam. Do you think only beautiful women should play Mohiniyattam. She insulted me for not having educational qualification.