Suryamukhi Devi

The opening shot is that of a simple woman fetching water from her household pond and going through the morning rituals. However, the story narrated henceforth is that of a legendary artiste, whose presence is established through a series of flawless mid-long shots, accompanied by a narration of her profile and background.

The 22-minute film, directed by Manipuri actress Yengkhom Roma, is a tribute to legendary Manipuri dancer Kumari Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi, one of the leading classical dancers of India. Suryamukhi Devi got rave reviews for her performance in the Mumbai-based Little Ballet Troupe.

Roma made her debut as a director last year with this sensitive portrayal of the dancers’ life. Her decision to refrain from using background music helped to preserve the intensity of the content. The documentary incorporated Suryamukhi Devi’s interview, in which she spoke of her emergence as a dancer and the beginning of her life, dedicated to Manipuri classical dance.

The narration of N. Tombi Singh — an expert on Manipuri culture and dance — enlightened the viewers about her talent. Singh spoke of the role of the classical dance institution, Nritya Ashram, and Guru Yambem Mahabir and Guru Meisnam Amubi Singh, in metamorphosing Suryamukhi Devi into a genius.

Suryamukhi Devi talks of some of the significant performances in her career. The director also inserted some scenes of the artiste dancing with her disciples.

Some other interesting aspects of the film included her recollections of her performances abroad as a member of the Indian cultural delegation, at the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, China and Hong Kong and also her experience with the Little Ballet Troupe of Mumbai. Eminent writer M.K. Vinodini’s interview was an added asset to the film and so was the director’s style of presenting still photographs of her performances, awards and citations, including the coveted Sangeet Natak Akademi, which she earned in 2003.

Director Yengkhom Roma, also known as Y. Romabati Devi, deserves kudos for an honest attempt at paying tribute to the dancing legend. Produced under the commissioned programme category of Doordarshan Kendra, Imphal, the film was an official entry at the Mumbai International Film Festival, 2008, and the Indo-American Art Council’s Dance Festival in New York, 2008.