KOCHI: Thiruvathira runs deeply in Malathy G Menon’s blood. For years, this veteran from Kumbalam has been advocating the dance form and has even defied age to popularise it. Her latest attempt is the ‘Athirolsavam 2017’, where she hopes to unite 10,000 women from across India to host the largest Thiruvathira conglomeration in the country.
With this feat, the 80-year-old teacher hopes to make it to the Guinness Book of World Records.
In 2013, 3026 ladies performed Thiruvathirakali at the Durbar Hall ground in Kochi.
Malathy says that every woman should learn Thiruvathira. “Unlike other dance forms, this dance does not require much physical exertion, which is why it can be performed by women of all ages. The costumes and make-up are not costly, neither does it require much of an orchestra,” she shares.
According to her, women should not be confined to the four walls of a house. “I am not saying that she should not cook or look after her household. I am just saying that she needs to explore her inner self more. Women need to exert their freedom through this dance,” she says.
Malathy, who also runs the Parvanendu School of Thiruvathira, says that applications for the Athirolsavam-2017 are pouring in. “There are people calling me from Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai. We expect many more to come up before the last date of December 30,” she says.
Achievements
Malathy has written a book of Thiruvathira songs titled ‘Athira Thiruvathira’, which was published in 2002. She is also credited to be the founder of ‘Pinnal Thiruvathira’, which is a hybrid dance where 12 actors tie and untie 12 ropes to the rhythmic tune of Thiruvathira songs. Malathy cautions the dancer to be careful as a small mistake can ruin the entire dance.
She has acted in three Malayalam films, the most recent as a grandmother in the Mohanlal starrer ‘Oppam’.