 'Mohini
Attam' symbolises the dance of the enchantress divine who destroys the evil
forces for the protection of the virtuous. The two significant episodes in the
Hindu puranas, that of the churning of the Milky Ocean and the destruction of
Bhasmaasura epitomise this truth.
This dance, one of the two main
dance dramas of the God's own country, Kerala (the other being Kathakali) is
viewed as the imaginative synthesis of Kathakali, Bharatanatyam and some of the
Keralite folk dances like Kaikottikali and Kummi. Unfortunately, Mohini Attam
has not found due favour except at the regional level.
Gopika Varma, specialist
disciple of the legendary Kalyani Kuttyamma, and one of the very few classical
exponents of this art form, has now brought out a compact disc titled 'Hasta' to
popularise the 'Mohini Attam'.
Tamil Nadu Governor P. S.
Ramamohan Rao released the CD at the Raj Bhavan Banquet Hall on Saturday evening
last, in the presence of a distinguished gathering that included many dancers.
Dr. Padma Subramaniyam, Director, Nrithyodaya, Chennai -eminent dancer,
choreographer, scholar and teacher, was the guest of honour.
Governor Rao congratulated
Gopika Varma on her praiseworthy endeavour and wondered aloud, partly seriously
and partly lightheartedly, whether CDs would soon replace the 'Guru' tradition.
Dr. Padma was seen gesticulating forcefully, in polite, but firm protest against
the sacrilegious observation! The Governor, however, pointed out it was only a
point of view that brought out the importance and relevance of modern technology
to highlight traditional art forms.
In her earlier keynote address,
Dr. Padma praised the role-model efforts of Gopika and expressed the hope that
she would further her efforts to popularise this important dance form.
Uma Rao, the Governor's wife,
lighted the Kuthuvilakku. Amit Mathew, General Manager and Resident Editor,
Malayala Manorama (the CD presenters), welcomed all.
Krishna Gana Sabha General
Secretary R. Yagnaraman received the first copy of the CD. Gopika Varma proposed
the vote of thanks and advised that a book on Mohini Attam would be released at
Thiruvananthapuram later this month. A few important Hasta Lakshnas of Mohini
Attam were screened on the occasion.
R.Srinivasan
|
TN Governor releases CD on Mohini Attam
