An artist's perspective of social issues
H. RAMAKRISHNAN
BEYOND PERFORMING ART AND CULTURE — Politico-Social Aspects: V. P. Dhananjayan; B. R. Rhythms, 425, Nimri Colony, Ashok Vihar Phase-IV, Delhi-110052. Rs. 1195.
Yehudi Menuhin was more than a violinist. Like himself, he wanted other artists also to involve in political and social issues. Not all of them heeded his advice. It is heartening that the great exponent of Bharathanatyam, V. P. Dhananjayan has done it. Apart from dance, the subjects covered in this book include politics, current affairs, social issues and pen sketches of several personalities he had been associated with.
Forthright
Cho Ramaswamy, whom the author compares to `the revered Rajaji', in the foreword very rightly says that "the fact that he (the author) is not a man to mince words glares at you from every page of the book." The problem is, at times Dhananjayan is so brutally frank that one may think twice about quoting him! According to him, the cultural erosion began with our changing way of dressing. The female body is exposed in advertisements and in films. They have the freedom to be like men, dress up like men, smoke and drink like men, and this then, is perceived to be women's liberation. "When women themselves are doing all this, there is no justification in complaining about the exploitation of women." He is a strong proponent of a ban on beauty contests. "The sad effect of colonisation is that we Indians somehow got into the mode of `west is best'... Artistes have the moral responsibility of living a clean life both on stage and outside... Art in education alone can cleanse our polluted political system."
He has a complaint to make. "The print media ... gives little importance to ... classical art forms." He has a lot to say on "the lethargy, dishonesty, lack of efficiency and irresponsibility" of civil servants. He opposes strikes and rallies. He is for linking of rivers.
He details the lakshanas (qualifications) of a good art critic. He did not take offence to the blatant criticism shot at him periodically by Subbudu, who tried all his tricks to provoke him, but failed. He has a lot of good things to say about Krishnaveni, Mani Akka, M.D. Ramanathan and of course Rukmini Devi. Some of the anecdotes are interesting.
The author has dealt with all aspects of Bharathanatyam very effectively in this enlightening and well-produced book, which has many enjoyable cartoons as well.
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