Controversy erupts in Kerala over Kalamandalam Sathyabhama’s ‘casteist’ remarks on classical dance artistes

Mohiniyattam artiste R.L.V. Ramakrishnan claims he is the latest victim of ‘institutionalised upper-class privilege’ in the world of classical dance after Kalamandalam Sathyabhama recently remarked that Mohiniyattam was traditionally best performed by artistes with ‘fanciable looks and pale skin tones’

A controversy over whether casteism corrodes the world of classical arts in Kerala erupted on March 21 (Thursday) with Mohiniyattam artiste R.L.V. Ramakrishnan claiming that he was the latest victim of allegedly institutionalised upper-class privilege in the haloed halls of traditional dance.

Mr. Ramakrishnan said Mohiniyattam exponent Kalamandalam Sathyabhama’s attempt to set “fair complexion and agreeable looks” as pre-requisites for performing arts was “brazenly racist and insulting” to artistes from marginalised and poor sections of society.

Without naming any artiste in particular, Ms. Sathyabhama recently told a social media channel that Mohiniyattam was traditionally best performed by artistes with “fanciable looks and pale skin tones.”

She also purportedly opined that persons who “resemble crows and are resented by their mothers for their looks” had no place in the classical dance and were, at best, also-rans.

Ms. Sathyabhama defended her stance somewhat combatively when television reporters confronted her at her residence in Thiruvananthapuram.

The artiste said she had quoted the principles of Natyashastra, an ancient Indian text on performance arts, and did not mean to insult any person, caste, or colour. She also said she feared no prosecution for speaking out the truth.

The Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham, an organisation of progressive writers, artists, and literature enthusiasts, has condemned Ms. Sathyabhama’s statement and demanded that the police investigate her for disparaging artists from Dalit communities.