Thrissur: Kerala Kalamandalam Chancellor Mallika Sarabhai said that males have the right to learn Mohiniyattam. 

Earlier, Senior Mohiniyattam dancer Kalamandalam Sathyabhama came under attack from various sections of society for her racist remarks against noted Mohiniyattam dancer Dr R L V Ramakrishnan. 

"In my opinion, men should perform Mohiniyattam only if they are good-looking... But his looks are unbearable," Sathyabhama said. As her remarks created an uproar in Kerala, Sathyabhama denied Ramakrishnan's allegations, saying she did not name anyone specifically in the interview.

Responding to a campaign by Mathrubhumi.com on the theme "What if a male learns Mohiniyattam", Sarabhai said that she would address the issue of males not having the opportunity to learn Mohiniyattam in Kalamandalam. 

‘All teaching at Kalamandalam must be without boundaries of gender, caste or religion’, Mallika said. She added that efforts will be taken to address all issues in connection with  gender, caste and religion. 

Mathrubhumi.com discussed the removal of boys' Mohiniyattam from the Youth Festival and not teaching the art form to men in Kalamandalam.

"  I am the Chancellor. I have made my view very clear to the VC and the Registrar and they both agree with me and are setting up discussions to take everyone along with us. Earlier a Muslim girl has joined Kathakali. It is happening albeit slowly,’ she said.