Satyabhama booked under SC/ST Act for derogatory remarks against male artist

Thiruvananthapuram: A case has been registered against Kalamandalam Satyabhama junior over her controversial racist remarks allegedly against a fellow artist on a YouTube channel. 

She has now been booked under the SC-ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The case has been registered over a complaint received by Chalakkudy Police, which was later handed over to Thiruvananthapuram Cantonment Police. 

In the purported 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."

As the video of the racial remarks went viral on social media, noted Mohiniyattam dancer Dr RLV Ramakrishnan had alleged that her comments were directed at him and threatened to initiate legal action against her.

The video and her subsequent statements defending what she had said were severely criticised by many on social media, cutting across political lines.