KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30: Celebrated Bharata Natyam dancer Kumari Kamala, who passed away earlier this week, was an inspiration for many who took up the Indian classical dance form in the 1960s, 70s and even those from the later generations.
Along with other Indian actresses trained in Bharata Natyam, like the late Travancore sisters Padmini, Ragini and Lalitha, renowned temple dancer, Bala Saraswathy, as well as the founder of the Kala Kshetra dance academy, Rukmini Devi Arundale, Kamala led the way for many to learn and appreciate Bharata Natyam through their sterling performances both on stage and in movies.
Famous for her dances in Tamil movies, particularly as the palace dancer in the 1962 production “Konjum Sallangai” Kamala was an accomplished dancer known for her graceful style and execution of the dance form.
For Malar Gunaratnam, who is senior director at the Temple of Fine Arts Kuala Lumpur, she was “certainly and inspiration”.
“I have watched many of her movies, where she took on roles mostly as a dancer and occasionally a lead actress role.
“She was brilliant. Her passing away has certainly left a void in the world of Bharata Natyam, but will be always remembered as the inspiration behind many other talented dancers who came after her and those in the present times,” she said.
–WE