Thrissur: In a historic shift, Kerala Kalamandalam has admitted a male student to its full-time MA Mohiniyattam programme for the first time. R I Praveen (39), a resident of Deepa Cottage, Mariapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, has enrolled in the prestigious institution, breaking a long-standing gender norm in this classical dance form traditionally reserved for women.

Although the governing body of Kalamandalam had previously removed all gender-based restrictions in the admission process, no male applicants had come forward until now. Praveen, who completed his dance training at Swathi Thirunal College of Music, Thiruvananthapuram, was the sole applicant this year.

His admission marks a milestone not only for the institution but also for the broader discourse on gender inclusivity in classical arts education.

Accompanying Praveen in this journey is his mentor and Kalamandalam faculty member, RLV Ramakrishnan, himself a rare male presence in the Mohiniyattam teaching fraternity.

Mohiniyattom should be renamed as Kairali Nritham- RLV Ramakrishnan

In response to this development, Ramakrishnan has proposed a renaming of the art form from Mohiniyattam to ‘Kairali Nritham’, arguing that the existing name is steeped in gendered perceptions and historical bias. He noted that as Kalamandalam transitions into a full-fledged university, such progressive steps are both natural and necessary.

“The name Mohiniyattam has long been a subject of controversy and symbolic exclusion,” Ramakrishnan said. “This proposal is not just for institutional consideration, but also for open discussion among the cultural community and the public.”