A dancer par excellence

Dancer Ramakrishnan, as he is popularly referred to, was in the capital recently. A man who has contributed in a major way to the Indian dance scene, he is rich in thoughts, full of words and experience.

Born in Kerala and in a background where art and dance were the main features, Dancer Ramakrishnan gave his first performance when he was two-and-a-half years old.

Dance, he says, is derived from the German word tanzen which means moving rhythmically alone or with a partner in fixed steps or sequences to music for pleasure or for entertainment. According to the master, each dance whether Western or Indian Classical, should impart a message to the audience.

Dancer Ramakrishnan is in his early 80s but looks not more 60. Dancing and acting has made him feel and look strong and youthful.

After two years in the Indian Army during World War II, Ramakrishnan joined films. His first role was for Gemini studios, Madras. Then he joined the famous dance troupe of Natraj Shakuntala who subsequently became his guru.

Even though he has come a long way in this form of dancing, Ramakrishnan humbly says he is like a child anxiously sitting on the shore of an ocean and unable to measure its depth.

Today, owing to old age and related physical constraints, Ramakrishnan is not actively involved in dancing but is socially active, involved in anti-alcohol campaigns. Ramakrishnan is also a member of many social forums fighting for people's rights and the environment.

Dancer Ramakrishnan is very impressed by the UAE which he finds culturally rich. He also believes this country is 'a perfectly safe place to live in'.