'Don't need anyone's certificate'; Kalamandalam Sathyabhama stands firm in 'Mohiniyattam' fracas

CHALAKUDY: “He got the colour of a crow. Such people should not be allowed to perform Mohiniyattam”, Dr RLV Ramakrishnan is preparing to take legal action against Kalamandalam Sathyabhama for her vile, and casteist remark directed at him while giving an interview to an online YouTube channel.

Ramakrishnan, who has advanced degrees in Mohiniyattam, is the brother of late actor Kalabhavan Mani. The adept dancer said he would move ahead with legal action taking along the support from the public in Kerala.

By Thursday noon, a slew of cultural activists and other political parties came forward condemning the derogatory remarks of Sathyambhama. The issue soon spiralled out of control and came the response from cultural minister Saji Cherian who termed Sathyabhama’s remark as an ‘insult’ to the cultural ethos of Kerala.

By evening, major media channels reached Sathyabhama’s residence to take her response but were left perplexed seeing the audacity of the classical dancer who still stood firm by her repugnant statements. Sathyabhama also directed her grudge at the media people who demanded answers for her vile remarks.

"I have not mentioned anyone by name. There is no truth in the allegation," Sathyabhama said. Congress workers under the leadership of Saneesh Kumar Joseph MLA staged a demonstration against Sathyabhama in Chalakudy. In response to the demeaning words of Sathyabhama, DYFI has announced a plan to conduct a Mohiniyattam dance in Chalakudy which will be performed by Dr RLV Ramakrishnan. CPM workers under the leadership of the CPM district secretary reached Kalagraham in solidarity with Ramakrishnan. Prominent people including Minister Dr. R. Bindu posted on Facebook in support of Ramakrishnan.

” I said my opinion. I have not mentioned any caste or religion. It doesn't matter if public sentiment is high. "I don't want anyone's certificate. How do you know that Sathyabhama is talking about Ramakrishnan? When being a judge in any dancing event, the first column in the sheet is to judge the contestants’ beauty and grace. A child who does Mohiniyattam must be Mohini. It is not right if Mohanan plays Mohiniyattam.

There is nothing more revolting than a man performing Mohiniyattam with his legs crossed. To perform Mohiniyattam, boys need to have a certain charm. Those students can perform.” said Sathyabhama.

Ramakrishnan is an artist who passed MA Mohiniyattam with first rank from MG University and obtained his PhD in Mohiniyattam.