Bharathanatyam is one of the classical dance forms of India that dates back 2000 years. A complex synthesis of the arts, literature, poetry, sculpture and music, it adheres to the canonical treatise Natya Shastra produced by Saga Bharatha around the 2nd century B.C. This dance tradition has been handed down the ages through visual and oral instructions from the guru ( teacher) to the sishya (pupil) . Today, Bharathanatyam is studied and practised by many, both in and outside India.
Bharathanatyam includes both nrittha ( pure dance) and nrithya ( expressional dance). Nrittha is performed for its own sake, Nrithya is accomplished through the use of facial expressions, codified gestures of the hands and symbolic poses. It uses abhinaya , the art of expression , the element of communication and projection through the medium of the body and face.
Mala Pasupathi started learning Bharathanatyam at a very young age and had her arangetram (debut) at age 15. After her initial training in her home state of Kerala, she learned under the renowned guru Swamimalai K.Rajarathnam at Madras. She has performed extensively – both in her home country India and abroad. She has toured the United States twice, in 1991 and in 1994, performing in over 30 cities. In 1996, she performed in Singapore, Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and in 1997, she toured Europe performing in Paris, London, Geneva, and Vienna. In all these countries, she won accolades for her imaginative choreography, abhinaya talents and pure dance capabilities. Here are some of the reviews from her performances. Besides solo performances, Mala has also choreographed and directed dance dramas and given lecture – demonstrations on the theoretical aspects of dance.
"Your presentation of the solo recital "Saptha Rishi Ramayana" on April 5, 1996 was one of the best dance presentations we have had for a long time. It was indeed a memorable evening ."-I.S.Menon, Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society, April 1996.
"Dancer Mala Pasupati scintillates…..The Saptha Rishi Ramayana by Mala is the best Bharathanatyam I have seen in a long time…..The dance and music was excellent and it was choreographed very beautifully."-India Tribune , Atlanta, 1994.
"……I want to express my sincere admiration for the exquisite performance you provided Cleveland with on Saturday, June 1,1991." wrote Richard Konisiewicz, from the Clevelend Mayor's office. ……"A truly professional dancer……the audience witnessed a flawless show".
" I want to let you know that everyone who attended your dance program enjoyed your performance tremendously. I appreciate your coming to Tallahassee and putting up such a top notch program. The choreography was very original and professional"- Sethuraman, Bhakthi Yoga club, Tallahassee, July 1994.
"Perfection in adavus (footwork), beauty in hand gestures, and a realistic display of abhinaya may be said to be the hall marks of Mala's recital.- Malayala Manorama, 1987.
"While all the young danseuses acquitted themselves well on the stage, particular mention must be made of Mala Pasupathi, who was responsible for the imaginative choregoraphy. Further, her performance on the stage in different roleas was an outstanding feature of the show."- Indian Express, 1980.
Cochin, a coastal town and major port on the Arabian Sea, west-central Kerala state, southwestern India.
The house where Mala grew up in Cochin, India.