The world of Indian classical dance and cinema has lost a towering figure with the passing of Kumari Kamala on November 23 in the United States. She was 91 years old. The legendary actor-danseuse, who ran a dance school in the US, was celebrated for a career that spanned nearly 100 films across Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada languages, enchanting audiences with her unparalleled grace.
A Prodigious Beginning
Born in Mayuram (now Mayiladuthurai), Tamil Nadu, in 1934, Kamala was a precocious talent. Her artistic journey began extraordinarily early, capturing public attention at just three years old with a performance at a Ram Navami function in Bombay. Her potential was quickly spotted by director A N Kalyanasundaram, who cast the young prodigy, then credited as 'Baby' Kamala, in 'Valibar Sangam' (1938) and 'Rama Nama Mahimai' (1939). In both films, she acted, danced, and sang, showcasing the versatility that would define her career.
Her early foray into Hindi cinema was also notable. In 1943, a nine-year-old Kamala appeared in a dance scene in 'Kismat', remembered as Hindi cinema's first major hit. That same year, she performed a Kathak sequence in 'Ram Rajya', the only film Mahatma Gandhi ever watched, demonstrating the ease of a seasoned artiste.
Mastering the Art and Conquering the Screen
Guided by her mother Rajamma, Kamala's career took a decisive turn towards the south to receive formal training in Bharatanatyam. She was placed under the tutelage of the famed guru Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai, a move that refined her raw talent and established her as a star performer of his distinctive style.
This training seamlessly merged with her film career. Prominent producer Sriramulu cast her in his ambitious film 'Jagathalaprathapan' (1944), which featured her performing the iconic snake dance, with her own guru, Ramaiah Pillai, serving as the choreographer. A.V. Meiyappan, another cinematic giant, recognized her multifaceted talent. He not only cast her as the young Valli in 'Sri Valli' but also had her perform the powerful drum dance to Bharati's 'Aaduvome pallu paduvome' in 'Naam Iruvar' (1947). This dance, shown in double exposure, celebrated the spirit of freedom on the verge of India's Independence and left audiences mesmerized.
An Enduring Legacy of Grace and Power
Even in brief appearances, Kamala's impact was profound. In the landmark Tamil film 'Parasakthi' (1952), Sivaji Ganesan's debut, she featured in a one-song role. However, her performance in 'O rasikkum seemaane', a song of seduction, was a masterclass in expressive dance. She continued to shine in Hindi cinema, delivering a wonderful performance in a dance set to a thillana in AVM's 'Chori Chori' (1956).
As her career evolved, she took on more meaningful roles. She was the hero's unfulfilled love interest in 'Paavai Vilakku' (1960), delivering a powerful portrayal of a Devadasi dancer. In 'Konjum Salangai' (1962), the first Tamil film shot entirely in technicolour, she was paired with Gemini Ganesan and displayed her dancing brilliance. One of her most powerful performances came in 'Sivagangai Seemai', where her 'Tandava' dance at the climax, picturised at the Kalaiyarkoil temple, gave a macabre dimension to the hanging of the Marudu brothers by the British East India Company, standing as a supreme tribute to her prowess.
Kumari Kamala's life was a bridge between the rich tradition of Indian classical dance and the mass appeal of cinema. She brought the beauty and discipline of Bharatanatyam to millions of filmgoers, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of artists.
