Geetha V Shankar “I Feel Blessed as a Classical Dancer”

To the art lovers of Mumbai, Mohiniyattam has been a synonym with Guru Smt. Geetha Vijayshankar. She is a versatile artist with a mission to learn and teach. An exponent in Mohinyattam and Kathakali, for the last thirty four years. she is an ‘A’ grade artist of Doordarshan, also appeared in National programme of dance telecast by Delhi and in Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram Doordarshan . She has learned Mohiniyattam under the guidance of established names like Thripunithura Vijayabhanu, Shri Udyogamandal Vikraman, Smt. Maithili Venkatachalam, Smt.Kalamandalam Meera nambiar and Kathakali under Sri. Kalamandalam Shekar, Sri. Ummannar Gangadharan Pillai and Sri.Nelliyode Vasudevan Namboodiri. Geetha was also the associate professor for chemistry at SIES college in Mumbai. In an exclusive interview with VIJAY SHANKAR, Geetha VS talks about her journey as a classical dancer, teacher, choreographer, professor of chemistry and much more

How were you initiated to dance, is it hereditary or your personal choice.?
Born into a family of artist comprising singers and dancers, I was naturally inclined to performing arts, particularly Kathakali and Mohiniyattam the two great and renowned classical dance forms of Kerala and started training at classical dance at the age of 5 and kathakali at 8.

Which Classical dance form fascinated you the most and why?
I was fascinated by kathakali initially seeing the performance of versatile artists like Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair, Kalamandalam Gopi, Kudamaloor Karunakaran Nair, Chengannur Raman Pillai to name a few. Later I was attracted to Mohiniyattam seeing its grace and beauty.

When and why did you switch over from Kathakali to Mohiniyattam?
After coming to Mumbai, after marriage I continued to learn Mohiniyattam under Guru Udyogamandal Vikraman. Kathakali being a full fledged dance drama, and not usually performed as solo I shifted to Mohiniyattam.

How could you manage to be a professor in chemistry and continue your passion for Mohiniyattam?
Fortunately for me college used to start early morning from 7am and I could reach home back by 3 pm. So i had enough time to devote for my passion Mohiniyattam. I have enjoyed teaching chemistry as well as Mohiniyattam all my life even though they are poles apart. Being a teacher is the greatest blessing a person can get, I hold.

Who has been your inspiration?
My mother. She was retired HeadMistress of NSS High School. But through out her life she has promoted dance and music. She used to run dance school “Gitanjali” in Trivandrum. She has been felicitated for her contribution by all Kerala Dance Teacher’s Association for her contribution in Kaikottikali.

Have you ever thought of combining chemistry with dance?
I enjoyed the chemistry of associating with my students and have always given them opportunities to explore their talents.

Which role of yours is most important and why? Wife, daughter mother teacher or choreographer?
Each role has its own importance, and together they have moulded my personality . I feel that ones perception of the roles of these facets of life and the ability to strike the right chord is what matters most. As a choreographer greatest joy and contentment you get is when the performance of the students truly reflects what you have conceived in your mind. It becomes all the more gratifying when the spectators whole heartedly appreciate the performance.

Your experience with mentor?
When I started learning Kathakali under Guru Shekhar and Ummannoor Gangadharan Pillai they used to stay in my home for two months and train me and other children . So it was more like a family association. Training under guru Nelliyode vasudevan Namboodiri was a divine experience because of his knowledge and care. My Mohiniyattam Guru Tripunithura Vijayabhanu was responsible for getting my life partner Mr Vijay shankar, who has always stood with me in my pursuit of passion for dance. Guru Udyogamandal Vikraman had moulded me as a Mohiniyattam artist. I also had fortune to learn under Kalamandalam Meera Nambiar.

Over the years have you felt any difference in the attitude and behaviour of students and teachers ?
Naturally` with changing time there has been change in attitude of students. However, the bond between Guru and shishya is bound to become deep and abiding with passing years. In my opinion the catalyst here is the devotion to the art. Fortunately for me even the parents of my disciples have been very cooperative and understanding over the years.

Most memorable experience!!
Performing at Shanmukhananda Sabha hall has been my dream ever since I came to Mumbai in 1978. It was realisation of the dream when i was invited by the Sabha to perform a ballet “Kaliyugavarada ayyappa”, choreographed by me. Also for an artist it is a dream to perform at National Program of Dance at DD1. I had the rare privilege of appearing for this programme thrice, telecast by Delhi Doordarshan Kendra. I have also appeared on several occasions at programs telecast Thiruvananthapuram and Mumbai kendras.

What disturbs you in your life?
Now a days parents stop children once they reach 9th std which is a very disturbing trend. They should realise that continuing their passion will enhance their performance in studies as well. I am grateful to my parents who encourage me to learn and perform even when i was doing my PG. I am happy that I received 1st prize in Kathakali at Kerala University Youth Festival twice of which the last prize was when I was in MSc part 2. I was also a Gold Medalist in my college getting the highest mark in chemistry.

Are you happy as a classical dance exponent. What is your future plans and aspirations?
I feel blessed to be a classical dancer because it gives immense joy whether it is performance of you or disciple. I would like to continue to train disciples and also wish they get many platforms to show their their expertise. For every woman there will be a to express my gratitude to everyone for their faith and love inroder to achieve success. Yes, my greatest support is my husband Mr. Vijayshankar who himself was a retired Professor from SIES college of Mumbai and my only son Mr. Praveen Vijay shankar, who stays at The United States of America with his wife Aarathi.