"Nowadays, Bharatanatyam can be found even in dog's tail...": Kalamandalam Sathyabhama continues to throw insults despite backlash

THRISSUR: Continuing her mud-slinging on Kalabhavan Mani's brother and artist RLV Ramakrishnan, Kalamandalam Sathyabhama said that there is no etiquette or yardstick and she has voiced her opinion. "I voiced my opinion. I will continue to do that", a visibly irked Sathyabhama told reporters at her residence.

"I stand by what I said. I didn't mention anyone's name or caste. You decided it was about Ramakrishnan. Is there a rule that says I can't speak my mind at the age of 66? There is no etiquette or standard. I voiced my opinion. What about it? No public sentiment has arisen against me. I've no problem if you say anything against me. I don't want any of your certificates. Mohiniyattam should be performed by a person with an enchanting appearance. Black people have to get better by wearing make-up. Beauty is required to participate in Mohiniyattam. Many children who compete get away by wearing make-up. Have black children won prizes in beauty pageants? A person said that he will file a case against me. Let him do that. Nowadays, Bharatanatyam can be found even in a dog's tail," Sathyabhama said.

Sathyabhama's controversial remarks on RLV Ramakrishnan's complexion and performance came during an interview with a YouTube channel.

“Mohiniyattam dancers should always be ‘mohinis’ (have attractive qualities). He has the colour of a crow. Mohiniyattam is a dance form performed by spreading one's legs apart. There is nothing more distasteful than watching a man performing Mohininiyattam with his legs spread wide. In my opinion, if Mohiniyattam is performed by men, they should look handsome. Aren't there handsome people among men too? But, in his case, even his mother could not bear to see him," Sathyabhama said.

Sathyabhama received huge backlash, including on social media, for her vile remarks. In response, RLV Ramakrishnan said that legal action would be taken against her.