Methil Devika

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Methil Devika
MethilDevika.png
Methil Devika
Born1976 (1976) (age 45)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
NationalityIndian
Occupation
  • Performing artiste
  • Academic/Cultural Interpreter
Known forIndian Classical Dance/ Mohiniyattam

Dr. Methil Devika (born 1976) is an Indian Classical Dance exponent, research supervisor and cultural interpreter.[1] She is known as a trail-blazer[2] in Mohiniyattam often attributed to as redefining the languid dance form.[3]

Early life[]

Daughter of N. Rajagopalan who worked as chief engineer at the Etisalat, Dubai and Methil Rajeswari who is a writer. She has two elder sisters, Radhika Pillai(Communications Strategist)[4] and Methil Renuka(Managing Editor, Forbes Africa).[5]

Education[]

Attended the Indian High School, Dubai, St. Thomas Convent School, and Mercy College before obtaining an undergraduate degree in Commerce from Government Victoria College in Palakkad. Completed a Masters in Business Administration from Madras University with a first rank, and a master's degree in Performing Arts from the Rabindra Bharati University with a first rank and gold medal. She completed a Ph.D in Mohiniyattam from Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu, 2014.[6] Has a UGC/NET in Performing Arts(2000).

Career[]

Dr. Methil Devika works as Research Supervisor, York University, Canada,[citation needed] and Research Supervisor in the Department of Dance, Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University, Kerala[citation needed] and as Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Performing Arts, Sree Sankaracarya University of Sanskrit, Kerala.[citation needed] She was also Head of the Department of International Students at Kerala Kalamandalam University.[citation needed] She is the Artistic Director of The Chitrakutam Art House.[citation needed]

Methil Devika.JPG

Awards[]

Devika's archival film was voted into the Oscar Award Contention List 2018.[7][8]She won two national awards (Ustad Bismillah Yuva Puraskar for Mohiniyattam 2007[9]and the Devadasi Award from the Minister of Orissa in 2010[10]). She received the state honours Kshetrakala Akademy Award 2020[11]and the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademy Award 2011[12] Recipient of the Best Dancer Award of the Mid‐Year Fest from Madras Music Akademy in 2016.[13] She is empanelled into SPIC‐MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) in 2010[14][15] Received the Junior Research Fellow, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. She is empanelled artiste for Mohiniyattam at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Delhi, 2002.[16]

Performances[]

1621922798182 Methil 1 BW.jpg

Staged solo performances in dance fests in India, a few them being, Khajuraho International Festival,[17] Madras Music Academy,[18] Mudra Festival[19] and Nishagandhi Dance Festival.[20] Performed for various conventions organized by SPICMACAY, ICCR, Central Sangeeth Natak Akademy and State Akademy. Performed in Boston,[21] New York, Texas, Philadelphia and Houston, Laos,[22] Chiang Mai,[23] Taiwan,[24][25] Sydney, Melbourne,[26] Switzerland, Singapore, and the Gulf countries. Given lecture-demonstrations and paper-presentations in various schools and institutes in India and at universities abroad.

Documentation[]

In 2018, Devika created the short film documentary Sarpatatwam or The Serpent Wisdom,[27] based on her interpretation of the work of an 11th century poet. It was lauded as a work that was both anthroplogical and embodied. She set the lyrics to music, choreographed and performed the dance, also serving as co-director and co-producer.[28]The film was voted into the contention list of the Oscars in 2018.[29] It premiered at the Prestige Theatres, LA and was also screened at various international theatres. It was also the opening film at the NFAI, Pune. Her recent work Ahalya which was commissioned by Sampradaya Dance Company also opened to world premiere in May 2021. It was a major production based on reflections in solitude done during Covid lockdown and the music and dance being composed by herself.[30] The cinematographer and film-maker Madhu Ambat was the DOP.[citation needed]


Choreographed work[]

Work based on Sanskrit and Sangam literature, local legends, compositions of poet musicians and mystics, compositions based on Buddhist philosophy, desi or regional pieces for Mohiniyattam.

Personal life[]

Devika was first married to Rajeev Nair, a Finance Specialist. She later divorced him, relocated to Palakkad, and started the "Sripada Natya Kalari", a dance school in Palakkad. In 2013, she married Mollywood actor turned politician Mukesh, who has been the elected member of Kollam legislative assembly segment of the state of Kerala since May 2016. In April 2021, immediately after the kerala legislature elections, she has moved a mutual divorce petition from Mukesh of which the legal proceedings are yet to begin. She has a son in her first marriage.

References[]

  1. ^ "methil devika". eShe. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  2. ^ Kochi, RITZ (22 January 2019). "Redefining Dance : A Chat With Dr.Methil Devika! | RITZ". Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  3. ^ Panchamakesan, C. s (24 November 2016). "Masterly Mohiniyattam". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  4. ^ Pillai, Radhika (17 April 2018). "Parent support for LD North Andover — First meeting". Medium. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  5. ^ Opening speech by Forbes Woman Africa Managing Editor at the Leading Women Summit 2019, retrieved 24 May 2021
  6. ^ "Dancing to the tunes of life". Deccan Chronicle. 16 February 2017. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  7. ^ "Review - Sarpatatwam - Padma Jayaraj". narthaki.com. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  8. ^ Slayton, Jeff. "Sarpathathwa -The Serpent Wisdom: A Beautiful Short Film by Indian Classical Dancer Methil Devika". L.A. Dance Chronicle. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  9. ^ "Methil Devika interacts with students in the city - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  10. ^ "Keeping a tradition alive". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  11. ^ "Thiraseela.com". thiraseela.com. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  12. ^ "Methil Devika". Mathrubhumi. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  13. ^ Srikanth, Rupa (8 July 2016). "Dance of grace". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  14. ^ "Samskriti: Collaborations With SPIC MACAY | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham". www.amrita.edu. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  15. ^ "Forgotten moves". Hindustan Times. 10 April 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  16. ^ "Dr. Methil Devika | Indian Council for Cultural Relations". www.iccr.gov.in. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  17. ^ Engl, India New; News (7 March 2016). "So much divine energy in Khajuraho: Methil Devika". INDIA New England News. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  18. ^ Kochi, RITZ (22 January 2019). "Redefining Dance : A Chat With Dr.Methil Devika! | RITZ". Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  19. ^ Nisha (17 September 2010). "Exquisite recitals". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  20. ^ Nampoothiri, Hareesh N. (5 February 2015). "Potpourri of dance". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  21. ^ "Mohiniyattam recital by Methil Devika in Boston!! at Chinmaya Mission Auditorium, Andover, MA | Indian Event". events.sulekha.com. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  22. ^ "First Indian Classical Dance Show Debuts in Vientiane Capital – Lao Tribune". Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  23. ^ "Indian Dance and Fashion Show at Central festival". Chiang Mai Citylife. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  24. ^ Methil Devika at a workshop at a University in Taiwan.., retrieved 24 May 2021
  25. ^ Methil Devika Live Performance in Taiwan - തായ്‌വാൻ സാംസ്ക്കാരികോത്സവത്തിൽ അതിഥിയായി മേതിൽ ദേവിക, retrieved 24 May 2021
  26. ^ admin. "Methil Devika Dance workshop in Melbourne". Indian Events | Movies | Australian. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  27. ^ SARPATATWAM OR THE SERPENT WISDOM by dancer Dr. Methil Devika/ OSCAR AWARD contended archival film, retrieved 24 May 2021
  28. ^ Nagarajan, Saraswathy (20 September 2018). "In tune with the dance of the serpent". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  29. ^ Slayton, Jeff. "Sarpathathwa -The Serpent Wisdom: A Beautiful Short Film by Indian Classical Dancer Methil Devika". L.A. Dance Chronicle. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  30. ^ Kumar, P. k Ajith (6 May 2021). "When life imitates art during pandemic". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 24 May 2021.

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