Born: 1976
Biography:
Methil Devika, born in 1976, is an Indian classical dancer and research supervisor. Known for her contributions to Mohiniyattam, a traditional dance form of Kerala, Devika has made significant strides in the field of performing arts. Additionally, she is currently engaged in a Post Doctoral Fellowship at ISRO’s Indian Institute of Space Sciences and Technologies, where she is involved in an arts-integrated-advance-science project of her own ideation.
Devika’s journey as a dancer began with her pursuit of education. In 2014, she completed her Ph.D. in Mohiniyattam at Bharathidasan University in Tamil Nadu. Her academic endeavors also include an M.A. in Performing Arts from Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata, West Bengal, and an MBA (First Rank) from the University of Madras.
Throughout her career, Methil Devika has earned numerous awards and accolades that have recognized her exceptional talent and contributions to the art form. Notably, her archival film was voted into the Oscar Award Contention List in 2018, showcasing the global recognition of her work. She has also been bestowed with two national awards, the Ustad Bismillah Yuva Puraskar for Mohiniyattam in 2007 and the Devadasi Award from the Minister of Orissa in 2010.
Devika’s remarkable skills as a dancer have been applauded by various institutions and organizations. She is the recipient of the Kshetrakala Akademy Award in 2020 and the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award in 2011. The Best Dancer Award of the Mid-Year Fest from the Madras Music Akademy was also bestowed upon her in 2016. Her contributions to promoting Indian classical music and culture amongst youth led to her inclusion in SPIC-MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) in 2010. Furthermore, she is an empanelled artiste for Mohiniyattam at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations since 2002.
Devika’s performances have enthralled audiences across the globe. She has showcased her talents at prestigious festivals, including the Khajuraho International Festival, Madras Music Academy, Mudra Festival, and Nishagandhi Dance Festival. Her skills as a dancer have taken her to international venues in places like Boston, New York, Texas, Philadelphia, Laos, Chiang Mai, Sydney, and Melbourne.
In addition to her contributions as a performer, Devika has also made a mark as a filmmaker. Her short film documentary Sarpatatwam or The Serpent Wisdom, which she co-directed and co-produced, premiered in 2018 and was even voted into the contention list for the Oscars. The film artfully combined her talent for choreography, dance, and music.
Inspired by the solitude of the Covid lockdown, Devika recently presented her work Ahalya, commissioned by the Sampradaya Dance Company, at its world premiere in May 2021. This performance demonstrated her ability to create thought-provoking pieces that captivate audiences and provide a unique artistic experience.
Overall, Methil Devika’s dedication to Mohiniyattam and her innovative approach to the art form have influenced the world of Indian classical dance. Her accomplishments as a performer, researcher, and filmmaker have made her a prominent figure in the field. Through her contributions, Devika continues to reinvent and redefine her art, leaving a lasting impact on the dance community.
Awards:
– Archival film voted into the Oscar Award Contention List 2018
– Ustad Bismillah Yuva Puraskar for Mohiniyattam 2007
– Devadasi Award from the Minister of Orissa 2010
– Kshetrakala Akademy Award 2020
– Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award 2011
– Best Dancer Award of the Mid-Year Fest from Madras Music Akademy 2016
– Empanelled into SPIC-MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) 2010
– Empanelled artiste for Mohiniyattam at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Delhi, 2002
– Dakshinamurthy Puraskar 2022 (along with Pandit Sri Hariprasad Chaurasia and Sri Sivamani)