'Skin colour' remarks by Kerala dancer stir row

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Mohiniyattam dancer Kalamandalam Sathyabhama came under attack from various sections of society, including politicians and cultural organisations, for her racist remarks against a fellow artiste during a purported interview with a YouTube channel.
Noted Mohiniyattam dancer Dr RLV Ramakrishnan alleged that Sathyabhama's remarks were directed at him, and threatened to initiate legal action.As her remarks created an uproar in Kerala society, Sathyabhama denied Ramakrishnan's allegations, saying she did not name anyone specifically in the interview. During the interview, Sathyabhama had said, "The person who performs Mohiniyattam should be 'mohini' (enchanting). He has the colour of a crow. This is an art form that requires a stance that keeps the legs wide apart. There is nothing more repulsive than a man who performs with his legs wide apart in this manner."
"In my opinion, men should perform Mohiniyattam only if they are that good-looking... But his looks are unbearable," the 66-year-old dancer said. Ministers Saji Cheriyan, R Bindu, Veena George, Leader of Opposition in the Kerala assembly V D Satheesan, BJP state chief K Surendran, among others, condemned the statement. PTI