Setting the future agenda of Kalakshetra

Located in Thiruvanmiyur, this arts and cultural academy is one of the most important centres for studying fine arts in south India. 

The 82-yearold Kalakshetra Foundation has got its new director after a gap of nearly 10 months. Well-known choreographer-dancer Revathi Ramachandran has taken up the mantle of Kalakshetra’s director and she is quite ecstatic about her new role. 

“Being appointed as the director of a historic institution, which is the vision of the legendary Rukmini Devi Arundale, truly humbles me. Every organisation has a culture which has been sustained over the decades and it is this aspect that will carry the organisation for posterity. I aspire to absorb and become part of this rich culture and tradition in the shortest span of time possible. 

The development I perceive would be to herald a movement that conserves what this institution stands for and propagate its essence which has its roots in spiritual teachings and philosophy. Preservation and propagation for posterity would be the two principles with which I take my work forward,” Revathi starts the conversation. 

She staunchly believes the founder’s words — “It is necessary to educate young people. Not only to train them as great artistes but also as cultured people to appreciate art and to be sensitive to beauty and ultimately sensitive to humanity.” Her new role might cause a setback to her career as a dancer-choreographer-teacher, but Revathi isn’t perturbed by it. 

“When I applied for this post, I was aware that my scope to perform would get greatly restricted. By practising Bharatanatyam for over four decades, I have satisfied my desire as a performer, now it is time to give something back. 

As a dancer, choreographer and teacher, I have gained insights into the various aspects of the art form and I am confident that my knowledge and experience would serve to reinvent myself in and through the various facets of Kalakshetra. This would also embellish my journey as an artist and help me evolve as a socially responsible human being,” says the Bharatanatyam artiste. 

A former captain of Tamil Nadu state basketball team, Revathi states that the sport taught her everything from time management to team spirit. 

“When I joined the college in 1976, I took to sports as an extracurricular activity. This move marked a turning point in my life. I still remember the day I walked into the basketball court for the first time and a senior tossed the ball in my direction and asked me to shoot and I did so and to my joy, it was a basket and eventually I could not basket the next few shots. 

She wanted to know if I could be on the team and practice. I readily agreed (I suppose my height was an advantage), but my mother was a bit apprehensive for I was already a Bharatanatyam artiste and had quite a few shows to my credit and she was keen that I should pursue a career in it. 

Little did I realise that the two Bs (basketball and Bharatanatyam) were to become embedded in my life and make an impact on me forever. The sport taught me to be empathetic and face defeat. It helped me build my stamina that people talk about till date. 

It also gave my mind the power to withstand trials with a positive approach.,” she quips. Revathi’s husband Ramachandran’s family tree traces back to Kalakshetra’s founder Rukmini Arundale. 

“It so happens that my husband’s paternal grandmother Ponammal and Rukmini  Arundale are first cousins, born to siblings. This also inspired and helped me perform my very best.” When not involved in any administrative work, Revathi loves to spend time in her terrace garden. 

“I spend time pruning, watering and planting new plants. It is a great stress buster. I get a lot of joy when I see the beautiful flowers blossom and when I pick some greens for the kitchen. I also like to read and listen to Advaita philosophy, running marathons, playing basketball, shuttle and spending time with my little grandson,” reveals the director.