"It is disgrace to institution that name of Kalamandalam is associated with such persons...": Kerala Kalamandalam slams Sathyabhama for racist remarks

CHERUTHURUTHY: Amid the raging controversy regarding dancer Kalamandalam Sathyabhama's remarks on colour and beauty standards, Kerala Kalamandalam came to the fore against her. Kerala Kalamandalam Vice-Chancellor Professor B Ananthakrishnan and Registrar Dr P Rajesh Kumar announced in a press release that they completely reject and condemn the ongoing statements, reactions and positions of Sathyabhama.

"It is a disgrace to the institution that the name of Kalamandalam is associated with the name of persons who make such statements which are unbecoming of a civilized society. Apart from being an alumnus of the Kerala Kalamandal, she has no connection with the Kalamandalam at present," the press release stated.

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.