Padmashree Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair:
An all time great Kathakali
performer - the person who was most responsible in bringing universal
recognition and appeal to Kathakali. Unanimously recognized as the
undisputed King of abhinaya. Some critics even called him the Picasso of
Indian Classical Dance world. His characters are still cherished and
thrive in the memory of admirers and students of Kathakali. His
contributions, style and impeccable perfection in which he transformed
himself to the characters on stages are unmatched in the history of
Kathakali.
Kalamandalam
Kalyanikuttiamma:
The doyenne of Mohiniattam.
Widely recognized as the "Mother of Mohiniattam" for her constructive
contribution in bringing back Mohiniattam to the main stream of Indian
classical dance. Her main contribution was towards lending structural
integrity to Mohiniattam as we see it today. Her life long commitment to
this dance style is a part of Mohiniyattam history now.
Smitha's personal Note:
I had the fortune of being the
grand child of these legends of the Indian classical dance field and to
pursue a career in dance. I got the unique opportunity of being trained
by these masters in all the aspects of dance. While my grandmother laid
the foundations of Mohiniattam for me, my grandfather fine-tuned my
abhinaya and blessed me with the unique distinction of sharing the stage
with him on many occasions - that was of course performing Kathakali
with him. Their life of devotion to dance and unmatched commitment to
their respective dance forms will always be my guiding spirit."
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