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.”
