Thrissur: RLV Ramakrishnan, Mohiniyattam dancer and brother of late Malayalam actor Kalabhavan Mani, plans to take legal action against caste discrimination by the Mohiniyattam dancer Kalamandalam Sathyabhama.
Ramakrishnan stated that the current situation in here is against Scheduled Caste artists trying to sustain themselves in the dance field. He added that such discrimination would be brought to justice. He addressed the media after dancer Kalamandalam Sathyabhama’s colour-caste discriminatory remarks against Ramakrishnan sparked controversy.
Ramakrishnan mentioned that a similar incident had occurred earlier, which is currently under the Court’s consideration. He added that Kalamandalam Sathyabhama made insulting statements without any provocation from him.
Ramakrishnan pointed out that even though she did not directly mention his name, it is evident that all her statements are directed towards him. He explained that her remarks about a Mohiniyattam dance teacher from Chalakudy who had controversies with the late actress KPAC Lalitha would be clearly understood as aimed at him.
Ramakrishnan expressed his distress that Sathyabhama had even involved his mother in this controversy, which he found humiliating. During an interview on a YouTube channel, Kalamandalam Sathyabhama insulted Ramakrishnan by stating that Mohiniyattam dancers should be fair and handsome. She commented that Ramakrishnan, with his complexion resembling that of a crow, was unfit for Mohiniyattam performances. She also remarked that his appearance was not appealing at all, not even to his own mother.
Ramakrishnan emphasized that such forms of body-shaming remarks are physically and mentally torturous for those who aspire to enter this field. Therefore, he plans to approach the Court regarding this matter.
He asserted that no one should ever raise their voice against skin color in this manner again. There are several legal provisions for protecting against such discriminations against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He also objected to her disparaging remarks about his lack of educational qualifications. Saying this, he affirmed that he would seek legal action against Kalamandalam Sathyabhama’s controversial statements.
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