Conversation

Mallika Sarabhai -Choreographing Change

Published

13 years ago

December 6, 2011

For her variety is verity. She has the vibrancy of Gujarat in her as well as the simplicity of Kerala. The constant multi tasker;Mallika Sarabhai is an activist, a performer, a publisher, a manager and above all a dancer

An activist, a reformer, a publisher, a manager, and above all a dancer, Mallika Sarabhai is a multifaceted persona. From the mismatched earrings she wears, the mix of dances she performs, the array of degrees she earned, the different kinds of jobs she handles, the two entirely different cultures she endorses, yes, she is a total non conformist in absolute terms. For her, variety is verity. She has the vibrancy of Gujarat in her as well as the simplicity of Kerala.

Mallika Sarabhai comes from an illustrious lineage. Being the daughter of Mrinalini Sarabhai, the legendary classical dancer and Vikram Sarabhai, arguably the greatest scientist India has ever seen, Mallika had a lot to look up to. Her maternal family of Aanakkara Vadakkath has produced great personalities like Ammu Swaminathan, Captain Lakshmi and Subhashini Ali. The Sarabhai family was into textile industry. Ambalal Sarabhai, Mallika’s grandfather and his daughter Mridula were freedom fighters and activists. Young Mallika had her own history to create.

At the age of 15, she started acting in parallel cinemas. She earned management degree from IIM, Ahmedabad, and doctorate from Gujarat University and joined Mrinalini Sarabhai’s Darpana Academy of Performing Arts. Mallika directed and performed in many productions that create awareness on the issues that society evades to accept. Her work, Shakti-The Power of Women, a one-woman show that included a scene about four sisters who had to commit suicide to relieve their parents’ trauma of finding dowries for them. It showcased the horrors that even educated women of the modern era have to face. Her role as Draupadi in the play ‘The Mahabharatha’ by Peter Brook was acclaimed widely. Mallika could relate to Draupadi, the embodiment of Sakthi, for her extraordinary beauty and fierceness. Like Draupadi, men can never pin down Mallika.

The road has been long, but recognized she has been and her list of accolades is as illustrious as her lineage. The nation honored her by conferring Padma Bushan in 2010. She was given the Crystal Award by The World Economic Forum in 2008. The French government bestowed on her the Chevalier des Palmes Academiques in 1999 and Knight of the Order of Arts & Letters in 2002.

FWD Life met Mallika on her recent trip to Cochin. She was very excited about her performance at JTPAC, Thripunithura. So were we, to hear what she had to say.

You are always active.Dance,books,kids,politics;something keeps you busy always.How do you prioritise?

When I’m involved with one thing, I just do that alone. I stay in the same building of Darpana. I had a wonderful nanny to take care of kids. Amma stays next to us with my brother. She would always take care of my kids. I think the kids were also very accommodating. As a publisher, I have a good partner. I only do what I’m passionate about. When one is passionate about something, it is easy to find time for that.

Dance was not your first passion. You were part of a structured setup until the age of 18 when you followed your mother’s footsteps to join Darpana. Was that an intentional change?

Both my parents were revolutionaries of change. My father was a great visionary who wanted knowledge to percolate to the grass root levels. He thought Television would be the harbinger of a cultural revolution as it would in itself be the greatest teacher. He foresaw that it will bring a new light to the villagers in remote areas of India, where no teacher would willingly go and teach. I saw dance as a reason of change. Besides it is a misconception to think that one should only work in a corporate after getting an IIM degree. I use my management skills every minute of my life. I manage the entire team of Darpana and its many subsidiaries.

Why Darpana?

Darpana was established by my mother. When she married my father and came to Gujarat, dancers were considered as courtesans. They would point at her and say “Nachnewali”. My grandfather asked Amma to establish a dance school for children to change the perception of the people. It did. Now I’m trying to bring a change in people’s mindset with the performing arts and Darpana is the best platform for this.

How do you identify yourself? As a Gujarati or a Malayalee?

I don’t know that. It’s up to others to tell me how I’m identified. Kerala has always been eager to accept me as hers. Keralites love to brand me as a Malayalee. My taste is that of a Malayalee. I want red rice and avial. A meal with thoran and koottu curry makes my day complete. We get red rice delivered from Kerala. My dressing style and accessories are my own. I think I’m the right blend of both cultures. But I’m not fluent in Malayalam. I have consciously started learning Malayalam recently and within a year I shall learn it.

Breaking traditions is the tradition in your family. You have once said that you have done it all, whatever society hates to accept.

(She bursts into laughter) It is the best way of putting it. Breaking traditions seems to be the tradition in my family. I think my family would have considered me as an out caste, a black sheep, had I been reserved and uptight like the rest of the world. My daughter, Anahita is gay. I think she also follows the tradition of our family to break traditions.

Mrinalini Sarabhai is a dancer who works within tradition. But you are an experimentalist. Your expressions vary from Kuchippudy, Mohiniyattam, Tribal arts to theatre. Is it a deliberate deviation?

That is not true. Amma was the first Indian dancer to use tradition to break tradition, as early as 1949. She stripped Kathakali of all costumes and makeup and used the form to create Manushya. And in 1963 she used Bharata Natyam to speak of hatred and dowry killings instead of Sringara. I was brought up thinking that the arts were a language one used to talk of anything. And while I still continue performing classical Katcheris, as far as my own work is concerned I use any or all arts to convey what I want to a particular audience.

Your foray into active politics.

India is torn down by ruthless politicians. Corruption is killing this country. I think, as a responsible citizen I should do my part to rescue India from the clutches of these politicians. I’m just trying to bring the change that all of us want and need. One person will be followed by hundreds, and thousands will follow. But someone has to take the initiative. Smart, intelligent people from different walks of life should replace this mockery by politicians.

Heard a story that a woman once complimented you by saying, “Here is a woman who is not afraid to be seen ugly”. But you are never seen ugly. How is that?

You have to see the faces I make during performances. I even act the part of a one eyed monkey. That’s really ugly. As for my personal style, I like wearing anything that is comfortable to me. I should be able to ride a horse or climb a tree when I want. My clothes mostly reflect my love for crafts. I use either silver or other natural material jewellery. One day Amma and I were travelling through a village in Kerala and we saw a lady wearing this beautiful Thoda in her ears. I was so enticed by it that we stopped the car. I coaxed Amma to use her Malayalam to buy it from her. And we did buy it. We have such great accessories in India. I don’t know why Indians tend to buy these ugly designer ornaments, when our ornaments are the best in the world.

Conversation

Netflix’s Cleopatra: A Controversial Provocation Egypt Could Do Without

Published

1 year ago

May 21, 2023

Keerthi Thilakan

In the realm of streaming content, Netflix’s Cleopatra has recently grabbed attention, trending on most-watched charts amidst a contrived controversy over the casting of a Black actress in the iconic titular role. Produced by Jada Pinkett-Smith, this installment is the second in her ‘African Queens’ series, which has stirred debates surrounding representation and historical accuracy. However, the current state of Egypt, grappling with numerous challenges, suggests that this provocative series is the last thing the nation needs.

The portrayal of Cleopatra has always been intertwined with fascination and debate, particularly centered around her appearance rather than her race, in historical accounts. The Hollywood industry, historically dominated by white executives, had marginalized Black talent, deeming them unmarketable and unworthy of significant roles. The industry’s limited embrace of Black stories in the past was primarily driven by profit rather than genuine progressivism.

In the case of Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra, the casting of a Black performer in the lead role was destined to ignite controversy, especially among Egyptians increasingly hostile towards Afrocentrism. However, the preceding installment of the ‘African Queens’ series, Njinga, did not generate significant interest or impact, lacking the depth to stimulate intellectual discourse.

Director Tina Gharavi’s previous works, while sincere in their storytelling, did not display visionary filmmaking challenging the conventional Anglophone documentary style. Despite this, Netflix and Pinkett-Smith effectively employed marketing tactics, leveraging the race card to generate buzz around Cleopatra, ultimately leading to its elevated position in the charts.

Disappointingly, Queen Cleopatra fails to offer any fresh insights into the Egyptian icon. The four episodes follow a predictable and formulaic narrative structure, focusing on Cleopatra’s rise and fall without delving into her race. The series, featuring medium close-up interviews with academics predominantly from American and British institutions, coupled with lackluster dramatizations, fails to engage viewers or provide an aesthetically distinct perspective.

The show’s emphasis on Cleopatra’s physical beauty and sensationalized elements aligns with Netflix’s faux-liberal gender and sexual politics, which are often presented simplistically and lacking depth. While the representation of minority groups in film and TV is an important concern, solely focusing on representation can overshadow other vital aspects, such as artistry, film history, and the political use of aesthetics.

Critics and viewers fixated on the racial depiction of Cleopatra, generating substantial media coverage and overlooking the artistic value and storytelling approaches employed in the series. Amidst the heightened racial discourse, the nuances of Egypt’s complex relationship with blackness have been lost. Egypt’s struggle with economic crises, political challenges, and external influences leaves the nation feeling helpless and disheartened.

In its current state of turmoil, Egypt seeks a savior and is grappling with collective defeat, making the Netflix provocation an unwelcome addition. The nation, deprived of agency and self-determination, holds onto its historical heritage, which has been plundered by the West for centuries. In such circumstances, a reframing of their own history, even in the form of a fictional series, elicits a strong reaction from a nation grappling with numerous challenges.

Ultimately, while the casting controversy surrounding Netflix’s Cleopatra has sparked discussions on representation and historical accuracy, Egypt’s broken state and desperate need for stability and self-determination make this provocative series an unnecessary and untimely distraction.

Conversation

Unleashing the Power: Scorpio Lunar Eclipse on May 5th Signals Major Transformation Ahead

Published

2 years ago

May 5, 2023

Keerthi Thilakan

The cosmos are gearing up for a powerful event: the May 5th lunar eclipse in Scorpio. This celestial spectacle promises to be a transformative experience that will shake us to the core. As the full moon aligns with the sun and the Earth casts its shadow, Scorpio’s dark and intense energy will be unleashed, inviting us to confront our deepest fears and desires.

Scorpio, known for its enigmatic nature and passionate intensity, is the zodiac’s most enigmatic and mysterious sign. It’s associated with death, rebirth, and transformation, making this lunar eclipse an auspicious time for letting go of old patterns and embracing a new, more authentic way of being. The Scorpio energy is all about digging deep into the shadows, exploring our subconscious minds, and facing the truth no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

During this lunar eclipse, we can expect intense emotions to surface, bringing to light buried feelings and hidden desires. Scorpio’s energy is not one to shy away from the taboo or the uncomfortable, and neither should we. It’s time to confront the parts of ourselves that we’ve been keeping hidden, and to embrace our true selves.

As we navigate this intense energy, it’s important to remember to practice self-care and self-love. Scorpio’s energy can be overwhelming, so be sure to take breaks and ground yourself when needed. The lunar eclipse is an opportunity for growth and transformation, but it’s up to us to take the necessary steps to harness this energy and make the most of this powerful celestial event.

In conclusion, the May 5th lunar eclipse in Scorpio is a powerful and transformative event that promises to shake us to our core. It’s an opportunity to face our fears, embrace our desires, and transform ourselves from the inside out. So, get ready to unleash your inner Scorpio and embrace the intensity of this celestial event.

Art

8 Best Podcasts of 2020

Published

4 years ago

November 27, 2020

Abhirami Chandran

To the people who doesn’t know what a podcast is- it’s pretty much like a radio show and is released in a streamable or downloadable format through various sites. You can access to millions of podcasts in many genres from anywhere you have internet access.

Here’s a list of podcasts for you to listen:

The Musafir Stories – India Travel Podcast

The Musafir Stories is a wonderful online podcast that talks about iconic and, in fact, all sorts of travel destinations. The podcast series is hosted by Saif Omar and Faiza Khan who talk to fellow travellers about their various adventures across India.
Available on iTunes, Google podcasts, JioSaavn, and Spotify.

https://themusafirstories.com/

Second Life

This online podcast is hosted by Hillary Kerr from the well-known fashion publication Who What Where and it chronicles the career changes of its many guests. It spotlights successful women who’ve made major career changes.

You can listen to her episodes on Apple podcast, Spotify, and Podbean.

https://www.secondlifepod.com/

In The Dark

In The Dark’s content is about uncovering the world’s most iconic crime cases. In short, it’s an investigative journalism podcast, hosted and narrated by Madeleine Baran.

You can listen to it on Apple Podcast, Stitcher, and Podbean.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-public-media/in-the-dark-apm

The Passion People Podcast

The Passion People Podcast is a series of conversations about following a passion and how to manifest it. There are several conversations with experts, entrepreneurs, and icons that inspire the listeners, and the show is hosted by Naga Subramanya.

You can find the podcast on Stitcher, Apple Podcast, and JioSaavn.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/naga-subramanya-b-b/the-passion-people-podcast

GayBCD

GayBCD is an online podcast that seeks to understand what it means to be queer in today’s time. It’s hosted by Sunetro Lahiri and Farhad Karkaria and is created by IVM Podcasts. You can expect to find funny and comforting discussions about coming out and how a sense of humour, wisdom, and parlance play such an important role in understanding yourself better as a person.

This podcast series is easily available on YouTube, Stitcher, JioSaavn, and Apple Podcast.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/indus-vox/gaybcd

Harry Potter at Home

Harry Potter At Home is a new series by the Wizarding World that has famous names from entertainment, music, and sports reading chapters from Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, and the magic is still alive. They currently have the first two chapters out – the first by Daniel Radcliffe and the second by Noma Dumezweni.

You can listen to the series on Spotify and a video version is available on Wizarding World.

https://open.spotify.com/show/2JUljwaD9fNSeq8Vy3UAUp

Maed in India

Maed in India prides itself on being India’s first indie music podcast and features conversations with, well, independent musicians from India and abroad. From unreleased music to unknown music stories, they have it all. It’s great for discovering new music, too.

You can listen to this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, JioSaavn, Podbean, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.

https://maedinindia.fanlink.to/podcast

The Corner Flag

Indian fans of the European and Worldwide football can rejoice in this chat show about sports with comedian Amogh Ranadive. If you like hearing commentary on the latest Premiere league (or other) antics with an Indian twist this might just be the Indian chat show for you.