People

World Dance Day: Mohiniattam Dancer Rekha Raju Elevates The Art Form

Published

6 years ago

April 28, 2018

FWDmedia

Image from: WikiCommons

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.

Up Next

5 Classy And Sassy Indian Drag Queens Who Are Breaking Gender Stereotypes

Don't Miss

Ayesha And Manisha Desai Renew Your Memories With Cornucopia

Comments

Spotlight

Ahaana Krishna’s Dreamy Bridal Look

Published

1 month ago

March 16, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Without a question, Ahaana Krishna is the queen of aesthetics. She has returned with yet another stunning and captivating bridal portrait. The image was uploaded the day before on her Instagram and was immediately loved by the public. Let’s look into the details of this stunning photo shoot.

Ahaana wore a stunning saree from Indra Designs’ “Enchanting collections” to complete the enchanted appearance. The saree was exquisitely woven in opulent English garden designs, including three-dimensional embellishments created by House of Indra artisans. The saree was draped perfectly by saree stylist Daira.

Devi Sreenath, the creative director of Indra Designs, styled the entire ensemble. The exquisite bouquet by Droplet Bouquets complimented the entire bridal ensemble.

Ahaana opted for a classic appearance with her accessories. DC Jewellers provided the exquisitely crafted gems. Various pearls and gemstones set in intricate designs make up the ornaments. It complements the outfit’s hues beautifully.

Amrin Khan, her makeup artist, opted for a delicate and dreamy appearance, keeping the makeup simple. The photographs were taken by Twelvef Moments

Cover Story

Insta – Glam : Best Fashion from Aparna Thomas

Published

2 months ago

March 14, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Instagram has developed into a busy runway in the fast-paced world of fashion, where influencers like Aparna Thomas showcase their own looks, creating trends and motivating millions of others. Aparna Thomas has enthralled audiences with her varied and imaginative ensembles thanks to her outstanding taste and passion for fashion. Let’s delve into some of her best fashion looks that have left a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts around the globe.

Effortless Glamour

Aparna Thomas looks sophisticated and alluring in this beautiful rainbow saree by Fitting Room Couture, styled by talented Sabarinath. Her look as completed by jewels from Pure Allure

Shimmer Glam

How to add a touch of glamour to any occasion without sacrificing comfort or style, just add some Shimmer. Aparna looks gorgeous in the stunning golden sequined flared dress by D’Roz for Christmas theme shoot.

Chic Style

Aparna looks casual chic with urban sophistication with her street style look in this green dress by Urbanic

Regal Beauty

Aparna is a natural at stealing the show; she looks magnificent in her exquisite blue saree that Sabarinath styled. The saree comes from Luxurion World.

Mythical Magic

Aparna looks stunning in an embellished saree by T & M Signature thanks to her excellent sense of style. The blouse features soft and elegant hues with delicate foliate motifs and elaborate crisscross patterns. The MOD Signature jewels completed the entire look.

Architecture

5 Sustainable Interior Design Trends to Embrace in 2024

Published

2 months ago

March 12, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, it’s no surprise that eco-friendly practices are making their way into the realm of interior design. In 2024, we can expect to see a surge in sustainable interior design trends that not only enhance the beauty of our living spaces but also minimise our environmental footprint. From repurposed materials to energy-efficient solutions, here are five sustainable interior design trends to embrace this year.

Upcycled Furniture:

One of the most prominent sustainable interior design trends of 2024 is the use of upcycled furniture. Instead of buying new pieces, consider giving old furniture a new lease on life by refurbishing or repurposing them. From reclaimed wood tables to refurbished chairs, upcycled furniture adds character and charm to your space while reducing waste and conserving resources.

Biophilic Design:

Biophilic design, which emphasizes a connection to nature, continues to gain popularity in 2024. Integrating natural elements such as plants, natural light, and organic materials into your interior design not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes well-being and sustainability. Consider incorporating living walls, indoor gardens, and sustainable wood finishes to bring the outdoors inside and create a healthier living environment.

Energy-Efficient Lighting:

With a growing focus on energy conservation, energy-efficient lighting solutions are becoming a staple in sustainable interior design. LED lights, in particular, consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, reducing both energy consumption and maintenance costs. Additionally, consider incorporating natural light sources such as skylights and large windows to maximize daylight and minimize the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Sustainable Textiles:

When it comes to upholstery and soft furnishings, opting for sustainable textiles is key to reducing environmental impact. Look for fabrics made from organic or recycled materials, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or recycled polyester. These materials not only reduce the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides but also minimize waste and support eco-friendly production practices. Additionally, consider investing in durable, high-quality textiles that stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Smart Home Technology:

In 2024, smart home technology continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions for sustainable living. From smart thermostats that optimize energy usage to home automation systems that control lighting and appliances, these technologies can help reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency in your home. Additionally, smart home devices such as occupancy sensors and smart meters provide valuable insights into your energy usage, empowering you to make informed decisions about resource management and conservation.

As we strive to create more sustainable living environments, embracing these five interior design trends can help reduce our environmental impact while creating beautiful and functional spaces. Whether you’re upcycling old furniture, incorporating natural elements, or investing in energy-efficient technologies, every sustainable choice contributes to a greener future for generations to come. So let’s embrace these trends and make sustainability a cornerstone of our interior design practices in 2024 and beyond.