People
World Dance Day: Mohiniattam Dancer Rekha Raju Elevates The Art Form
The Mohiniattam dancer is a part of the evolution of the dance form and is unafraid to air her thoughts regarding its development
Text credit: Charishma Thankappan
She was all of three and a half years of age when Rekha Raju got introduced to the world of classical dance. When her mother took her to the dance teacher for her first lessons, the guru refused to teach, considering her too young. But the little girl was adamant that she wouldn’t leave without learning a step or two. Thus began a journey on which she never looked back, going on to becoming an acclaimed exponent of Mohiniattam.
“Some people still feel that dance cannot be taken up as a profession, and it is this thought that has to change,” says Rekha. The danseuse doesn’t blame the society for it but rather attributes the prevailing notion to women, as they feel that they need to give more importance to the family. “This is not wrong, but they need to learn to give importance to dance as well. Women who learn dance go on to take a break after getting married or having children. They needn’t stop entirely after that.”
On progression
Commenting on the evolution of the dance form of Mohiniattam, Rekha says, “Mohiniattam has to still get into the league of other dance forms. It is still not very well-known. For example, in North India, people are aware of Bharatnatyam, but not familiar with Mohiniattam. Similarly, in international dance festivals, if there are four or five Bharatanatyam dancers, there will be one Mohiniattam dancer.” However, the proponent agrees that in the past ten years, there has been a lot of growth and development and the audience has also started understanding the art form.
“It’s not that nobody is promoting the dance form; but rather, it is in the hands of the artistes to take it forward. I have come across many Malayalis who find Mohiniattam boring,” rues the expert. Rekha observes that the main reason for the lack of interest in Mohiniattam is due to the restrictions imposed upon the dance form. “Over the years, people seem to have got the wrong notion that Mohiniattam needs to be performed only in certain ways, because of which, the dance form became quite constrained. It is also as fluid and versatile as other art forms, but maybe because it has been relegated to certain ways of performing, it has suffered a disconnect with the audience. It is also more difficult to learn.”
A life in dance
Rekha owes her life to dance. “My personality has changed because of dance – it has made me more disciplined and graceful. For me, dance is very spiritual. When you learn dance, you tend to become more peaceful, and you don’t become rude or crude to people. According to me, dancers are some of the happiest people. I’m always happy and joyful.”
Art runs in the blood for this graceful performer, who has some family members trained in various forms of music. “My mom is a singer; my father was into theatre a little bit, and my grandmother’s father was a violinist in the court of the Mysore Maharaja.”
Based in Bangalore, Rekha also imparts lessons in the dance form to eager learners at her foundation Nrithya Dhama Temple of Fine Arts, with her students ranging from the ages of six to 60. “My Mohiniattam classes have more non-Malayalis,” says the dancer, with a German student of hers having had her arangetram in Kochi recently.
At a time when children are busy the whole day – with studies, tuitions, extracurricular activities, how can they make time for dance and take it up seriously? “It depends entirely upon parents,” says Rekha. “They need to inculcate a spirit of art and creativity in children and give it equal importance.” And Rekha’s life is a shining example of it as she gave up a career as a chartered accountant to pursue dance.
When not performing dance, Rekha, who is trained in Carnatic music, plays mridangam, paints, and indulges in clay modelling. She was also part of the Tanjore Dance Festival where 1,000 dancers performed at the 1,000 year celebrations of the Tanjore Temple, thus entering the Limca Book of World Records.
Spotlight
Motherhood in Vogue :Deepika Padukone’s Stunning Maternity Photoshoot
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child, due later this month. In anticipation of this joyous milestone, the couple recently shared a series of heartwarming photos from their pregnancy photoshoot. The pictures beautifully capture mom-to-be Deepika flaunting her baby bump, while others showcase the couple sharing joyful moments, their smiles wide and laughter contagious.
In the photos, Deepika stuns in various outfits. She rocks mom jeans paired with a lacy bra and cardigan in the first few shots, exuding casual elegance. In another set, she channels her inner boss lady in a sleek black pantsuit. A third look features Deepika in a see-through maxi dress, where she is captured twirling and lost in thought. For her final look, she dons a black, see-through bodycon dress, posing alongside her husband Ranveer in a series of intimate and stylish shots. The couple captioned their post with a few simple emojis, but that was enough to ignite a flurry of reactions from fans.
Deepika and Ranveer first announced their pregnancy on February 29, just before attending Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding bash in Jamnagar. Their announcement featured a postcard with the word “September” and adorable drawings of baby accessories. Following the news, Deepika faced criticism and accusations of faking her baby bump. However, with this stunning photoshoot, she has gracefully silenced her detractors, proving once again that she is in full command of her narrative.
Architecture
Creating a Cozy Living Room: Tips for Comfort and Style
Your living room is more than just a space for entertaining; it’s a sanctuary where you unwind, relax, and spend quality time with loved ones. Creating a cozy living room involves a blend of comfort and style that makes the space inviting and functional. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect balance:
Choose the Right Furniture
Start with furniture that combines comfort and functionality. Opt for a plush sofa with deep cushions, perfect for lounging. Consider adding a cozy armchair or a recliner for additional seating. Make sure the furniture arrangement promotes conversation and allows for easy movement throughout the room.
Layer Your Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Use a mix of lighting sources to create a warm ambiance. Combine overhead lights with floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces. For added coziness, incorporate dimmers or smart bulbs that let you adjust the brightness to suit different times of day and activities.
Add Textures with Throws and Pillows
Textures are key to a cozy living room. Layer different fabrics, such as soft throw blankets, plush pillows, and textured rugs. Choose fabrics like wool, velvet, and cotton that add warmth and comfort. Mix and match patterns and colors to create visual interest and a personalized touch.
Incorporate Warm Colors
Color influences the feel of a room. Opt for warm, neutral tones like beige, taupe, or soft gray for a calming effect. Accents in rich colors like deep blues, earthy greens, or warm terracotta can add depth and coziness. Use these colors in your furniture, accessories, and wall decor.
Use Rugs to Define Spaces
Rugs can help define different areas within a living room and add a layer of warmth underfoot. Choose a rug that complements your furniture and adds softness to the space. A large area rug can anchor the room, while smaller rugs can be used to highlight specific areas, like a reading nook or conversation zone.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements. Plants not only add a touch of greenery but also improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants if you’re not an avid gardener. Wooden furniture or decor pieces can also add a natural, grounded feel to the room.
Personalize with Artwork and Décor
Add personality to your living room with artwork and decorative items that reflect your style. Choose pieces that resonate with you, whether it’s family photos, abstract art, or vintage finds. Arrange decor items in groups to create visual interest and avoid clutter.
Create a Focal Point
A focal point helps draw the eye and creates a sense of balance in the room. This could be a fireplace, a statement piece of art, or a stylish coffee table. Arrange your furniture and decor around this focal point to enhance the room’s overall cohesion and appeal.
Invest in Quality Window Treatments
Window treatments can impact both the look and feel of your living room. Opt for curtains or blinds that provide privacy while allowing natural light to filter through. Choose fabrics that complement your decor and add texture, such as linen or velvet.
Add Personal Touches
Finally, make the space truly yours by adding personal touches. Incorporate items that have sentimental value or reflect your interests and hobbies. Whether it’s a collection of travel souvenirs, a beloved quilt, or unique decorative objects, these elements will make your living room feel more inviting and personal.
By thoughtfully combining these elements, you can create a cozy living room that serves as a comfortable retreat and a stylish gathering place for friends and family. Enjoy the process of making your space uniquely yours and revel in the comfort and warmth it provides.
People
JLO’s Bridgerton Themed Birthday Bash
There are two types of diamonds in the Bridgerton universe: the diamond of the season and the queen who selects it. Without a doubt, Jennifer Lopez belongs to the latter group.
JLO brought Bridgerton to life this past weekend in the Hamptons, where she threw an amazing event to celebrate turning 55. The celebration featured a live orchestra and a horse-drawn carriage, among other features more commonly found at social gatherings in the early 1800s. Naturally, Lady Whistletown was not prepared for the glitzy Regency-era attire either.
In her first ensemble designed by Manish Malhotra, she looked downright royal in a stunning light blue ball gown with a bodice piece that had off-the-shoulder cuffs and gilded diamond-shaped embroidery. The gown was worn over a full skirt that was embroidered with larger-than-life gold floral motifs.
Lopez wore few accessories and let the dress do the talking because of how grand the ensemble was. She chose stud earrings, a basic pendant necklace, and sheer white opera gloves. She had a gold laurel crown in her hair.
Jennifer transformed into something a bit more fluid later in the evening, which made it easier for her to move around the dance floor and interact with other attendees. This second dress was a gauzy moss-green number with a sequined floral bust, and it too had an off-the-shoulder neckline.
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