Kalamandalam Vimala Menon honoured with Padma Shri

Kalamandalam Vimala Menon has been honoured with the Padma Shri for her contributions in propagating as well as revitalising classical dances, especially Mohiniyattam. The Kerala Natya Academy, which she established in Thiruvananthapuram in 1972, has been a training ground for many dancers who went on to become well-known exponents in Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.

Ms. Menon, who had begun training in classical dance and music since she was 10 years old, joined the Kerala Kalamandalam, on poet Vallathol Narayana Menon’s advice. Although she was trained in various forms of dance, she concentrated her attention on Mohiniyattam, since it originated in Kerala. As she began training students for the Kerala School Arts Festival, she introduced changes to the costume and presentation of Mohiniyattam, which in later years began to be accepted as standards of the art form.

“I consider it a moment of great fortune, especially as I received the Kerala Sree Award from the State government last year. I am 84 years old and have 63 years of experience in the field of dance. It is through my disciples that I began to be recognised. I believe my co-workers and disciples have contributed more than anything else to these honours,” she told mediapersons after being chosen for Padma Shri.

She was previously honoured with the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi award in 1991 and Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 2006.