Mayakkum Margazhi: We want art, not food, to attract crowds, says Bhavya Ramachandran

Bharatanatyam dancer Bhavya Ramachandran, who lives in Canada, flies down to Chennai every year to be part of the Margazhi season. “It is the time when artistes come together,” she says. Excerpts from a conversation:
‘MARGAZHI SEASON IS BECOMING GRANDER AND GRANDER EVERY YEAR’
The Margazhi season is always great. It brings together all the artistes, not just from Chennai or Tamil Nadu, but from all over India. And it is just becoming grander and grander every year and it was fantastic this year as well. Many classical artistes, wherever they are, make it a point that they come here to be a part of the season. For me, personally, it was great, because I had my Music Academy recital on January 1 this year.
‘I DECIDED TO MAKE A COMEBACK AFTER 4 YEARS’
For the last few years, I wasn’t able to visit Chennai during the season. I decided to make a comeback this year after a four-year-gap because of the chance to perform at the Music Academy. It was the first time that I danced during the season at the Music Academy, so it was quite special. It was my childhood dream to dance there.
‘NO CIRCUMSTANCE CAN STOP ME FROM DANCING’
My love for Bharatanatyam keeps me motivated. I have been dancing ever since I was 12 years old, and no circumstance, be it moving to another country or getting married, could stop that.
‘MARGAZHI SEASON HAS BECOME A FOOD FESTIVAL’
Having the sabha canteens actually attracts crowds. People think it’s easier to come watch a performance and not worry about going out for food. It has indeed become a mini food festival. But I do think that somewhere we’ve got to strike a balance. At the end of the day, we want the art — and not the food — to attract the crowd and reach out to more people.
‘ART IS SUPPOSED TO BE A CALMING MECHANISM’
These days, the awareness about physical fitness — whether it’s yoga or strength training — is amazing. Now, it’s beyond just practising either Bharatanatyam or Mohiniyattam or Kathak. Fitness level has become the basis on which artistes actually develop. So, regardless of the number of performances, if your body is well set up to handle the season, you are good to go. In terms of mental health, it’s difficult for me to think in a negative way because art as such is supposed to help you with mental health. It’s supposed to be a calming mechanism. It only should help the mental health situation.
Bhavya on her memories of Margazhi...
My very first Margazhi season is special. I was 13-14, and I did the inaugural performance of three different sabhas that year, and for me, it was a big thing. I was super tense, and that was memorable in a way too. Also, for the first time, I had to go on stage without my guru, which was even more challenging. It holds a very special place in my heart.
Written By:Praveen Kumar S