If her sheer energy, graceful movements and beautiful poses on stage captivate connoisseurs of Indian classical dance, Shobana’s power-packed performances in more than 200 southern Indian films have also won her critical acclaim, National Awards and a huge fan following in India.
The Kerala-born dancer and actress, who will showcase feminine power and grace through a Bharatanatyam performance titled Shakti (Power) in Dubai on March 6, tells The National about how, for her, dance is a way of life and a celebration, and how 20 years of running her own dance school has been such a fulfilling experience.
How will your dance recital Shakti, which translates as “power”, reflect feminine strength, especially since it is thematically timed to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8?
Actually, I’m not the kind of person who would dedicate just one day to mark Women’s Day. But in this programme, we look at dedicating the foremost piece to feminine power, which [in Hindu mythology] are Mahakali, Shakti or Durga, who do not symbolise just physical power.
Will we see a coming together of pure classical dance and the contemporary choreography you are known for as well?
No, it will be purely classical, traditional in nature and accompanied by musicians from India.
It has been more than 20 years since you founded Kalarpana, your school for Bharatanatyam, in 1994. How has that journey been?
It’s a profession where you have to build your reputation by word of mouth over the years. You start with a few students and over time you might have one student who really believes in your style. And when that student does well for herself, then you have a few more. So it’s been like a creative chakra, or cycle, for me – the more you teach, the more you internalise the process and structure [of classical dance]. The more you internalise the structure, the more freedom you have to experiment. So it has been a very creative process. You need to really invest lots of your time. After a point, it becomes a way of life. Overall, it’s been a very fulfilling experience.
You founded Kalarpana at the peak of your film career. What motivated you to teach dance at that time?
Because people wanted me to teach. I always thought of dance as a celebration. So if we have 10 people celebrating that spirit, then it’s always better than one. You cannot celebrate alone, can you? It’s just a way of giving back, I guess.
You were known for doing several films a year in the 1980s and 90s. The last powerful role you played was in the 2013 Malayalam hit Thira. What do you look for in a film role now?
There was a time when I did 22 films a year, actually. Nowadays, I look for a theme that instils confidence in me, something that will teach me and give me direction.
You’ve experimented a lot with fusion in dance choreography. At the same time, you’re also known for excelling in the pure, classical form of Bharatanatyam. Do you see any contradictions or dilution?
People who like to see dance, just come to see dance. One cannot say this is good art or bad art because art is art. And classical dance goes a long way back. So for me, tradition is what my teacher taught me, and innovation is what I teach my students. Classical dance has a certain grammar, so if you can use that grammar aesthetically, then that for you is tradition.
What do you look forward to when you take your dance to new places?
I look forward to sharing this art form – not just the dance, but also the music, the poetry and the entire experience. And finally, we are sharing India.
• Shobana will perform Shakti on March 6 at 7.30pm at Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre, Mall of the Emirates. Tickets, priced between Dh100 and Dh300, are available from the Ductac box office
artslife@thenational.ae
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
THE BIO
BIO:
Born in RAK on December 9, 1983
Lives in Abu Dhabi with her family
She graduated from Emirates University in 2007 with a BA in architectural engineering
Her motto in life is her grandmother’s saying “That who created you will not have you get lost”
Her ambition is to spread UAE’s culture of love and acceptance through serving coffee, the country’s traditional coffee in particular.
Story of 2017-18 so far and schedule to come
Roll of Honour
Who has won what so far in the West Asia rugby season?
Western Clubs Champions League
Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners up: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons
West Asia Premiership
Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons
Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Premiership Cup
Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners up: Dubai Exiles
Fixtures
Friday
West Asia Cup final
5pm, Bahrain (6pm UAE time), Bahrain v Dubai Exiles
West Asia Trophy final
3pm, The Sevens, Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Sports City Eagles
Friday, April 13
UAE Premiership final
5pm, Al Ain, Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
Petrarch: Everywhere a Wanderer
Christopher Celenza,
Reaktion Books
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Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
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THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
if you go
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• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
Poacher
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.