Thrissur: Kalamandalam Sathyabhama’s casteist remarks on Chalakkudy based Mohinitayyam dancer who has is associated with Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi kicks up a controversy as so much protests have come up from various walks of life. “He has the complexion of a crow and is not apt for Mohiniyattam performance,” said Sathyabhama in an interview.

R L V Ramakrishnan, actor-dancer and brother of late actor Kalabhavan Mani, responded to Kalamandalam Sathyabhama’s casteist remarks through a facebook post. Even though Sathyabhama did not mention his name in her controversial statement, Ramakrishnan's response has created speculations that the man she mentions is him.

“It is because of such people that an artist from scheduled caste cannot survive in the field of dance. People with such rotten minds should definitely be brought before law,” wrote Ramakrishnan in his facebook post. Many have come forward in support of Ramakrishnan in this incident.

Sathyabhama’s controversial statement

“Mohiniyattam dancers should always be ‘mohinis’ (having enchanting/attractive qualities). Have a look at him, he has the colour of a crow… Mohiniyattam is a dance form performed by spreading legs apart. There is nothing more distasteful than watching a man performing Mohininiyattam with his legs spread wide. In my opinion, if Mohiniyattam is performed by men, they should look very handsome. There are handsome people among men too. But, his looks… not good, not even his mother, who gave birth to him, could not bear to see him.”