Revathi all set to take over as Kalakshetra director

Chennai: Eminent dancer, choreographer and teacher Revathi Ramachandran,  a specialist in Shuddha Nrittam repertoire, will take over as director of Kalakshetra Foundation very soon. The institute has been without a head for the last 10 months since the tenure of its director Priyadarshini Govind ended in 2017.  Her tenure was preceded by that of Leela Samson.  Former chief election commissioner N. Gopalaswami is the chairman of the governing body.

Revathi is the direct disciple of legendary guru Mangudi Dorairaja Iyer, a maestro in Melattur style of Bharatanatyam. Sharing her first reactions with Deccan Chronicle,  Revathi, who will soon don the cap of director at Kalakshetra, said, “I did my interview well. I am happy that I will be able serve the administrative side of dance. It is a huge responsibility and I will do my best.”

The distinguished dancer  has performed in India and other countries with her troupe doing solo recitals and dance-dramas.  When asked about her first priority and vision for Kalakshetra, she says,  “My first priority will be to integrate into the system. Let me get in into the groove of the hallowed institution which is over 80 years old. Will know more when I become part of the institution. By understanding its functioning, its culture and history and interacting with people there,  I will be able to spell out my plans.”  

A multi-faceted personality, Revathi was a basketball player in college and proficient in painting. But she chose dance over others and emerged victorious. She has been trained in Nattuvangam under guru Bhagavatulu Sitarama Sharma, in Veena under Kalpagam Swaminathan and Kuchipudi under guru Vempati Chinna Satyam. She is also the advisory council member of IDA (International Dance Alliance) which interacts with artistes from across the world.

She has done research on Bhagavatha Mela tradition, besides assisting research scholars.   Kala Sadhanalya, founded by Revathi, is dedicated to the training and performance of Bharatanatyam in Melattur style.

She signs off saying, “I have been doing and coordinating shows.  Now  with this new role in an institute of national importance, I will be more of an art administrator now.”