'No one is like the Emperor of Abhinaya- Mani Madhava Chakyar, and there won't be any' - Prof. Maria Christopher Byrski (first foreigner disciple of Guru and Kutiyattam), Department of Indology, Warsaw University[8]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Prof. Byrski declared the artist the unrivaled Emperor of Abhinaya, implying no one will match him.
- In plain terms
- He is the unmatched master of expression.
- What can you take from it?
- Some artists achieve a status that sets a benchmark for others.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does one become a benchmark in a field?
- What are the risks of idolizing a single figure?
Another view
Such absolute statements can overlook other talented practitioners.
More from Mani Madhava Chakyar
'the greatest eye-wizard of the world!' - Stella Kramrisch - Curator of Indian Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, USA.[7]
Permalink to quote #7 'his Netraabhinaya is simply incomparable' - Kapila Vatsyayan (leading scholar of classical Indian dance)[9]
Permalink to quote #9 'He had his own style. He could convey his thoughts through expressions. His eye movement was superb!' Birju Maharaj- great Kathak dancer.[6]
Permalink to quote #6
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