Celebrated Malaysian Odissi exponent to present dance-drama in Delhi

New Delhi, April 3 : He is a Malaysian dancer, steeped in Indian classical forms and has allured audiences with his performances for well over three decades now.

Ramli Ibrahim -- a cultural icon and a dynamic force in the Malaysian playhouse -- will present a unique contemporary Odissi work organised by Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra and Sutra Foundation. 

"Amorous Delight: A Case of Possession by Love," is a contemporary Odissi production with dance composition and artistic direction by Meera Das and Ramli Ibrahim and will be performed by Sutra Dancers. 

The production derives its inspiration from "Amarushataka," the ninth century anthology of hundred Sanskrit couplets, all based on shringara rasa in which love lingers in the erotic contours of charming bodies.

"The work is refreshingly different and sufficiently 'controversial' to tickle everyone's senses and curiosity. The focus is on the ability of the dancers to impart a sensuous atmosphere evoking the subtle nuances of love and its many splendored settings. The work is contemporary within the matrix of traditional subject matter and Odissi," said Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra Director Shobha Deepak Singh. 

As a teacher of Bharatanatyam and Odissi, Ramli has groomed some of the finest dancers who have emerged from Malaysia and at the same time placed Indian classical dance in the context of the Malaysian experience. Ramli studied Bharatanatyam under Adyar K. Lakshman and Odissi under the late Guru Deba Prasad Das.

"Amorous Delight: A Case of Possession by Love," will be presented at Kamani Auditorium on April 6.