The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Book on the life of Rukmini Devi

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Monday, Jan 25, 2010
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Book on the life of Rukmini Devi

Staff Reporter

She was an artist ahead of her times, says Gopalkrishna Gandhi
Not easy to write about one’s Guru, according to Leela Samson

cCHENNAI: Speakers at a function of launching a book ‘Rukmini Devi: A life’ at Kalakshetra Foundation here on Saturday recalled the multi-faced personality and her contribution to the cultural heritage of the country.

Authored by Leela Samson, Director of Kalakshetra Foundation, the book spans 80 momentous years recollecting Rukmini Devi’s early years, association with the Theosophical Society, marriage and the candid portrait of the dancer. Chief Guest and former Governor of West Bengal Gopalkrishna Gandhi described Rukmini Devi as an artist ahead of her times. “Rukmini Devi’s life was not easy and neither was she an easy person to work with. Yet, the book is glorious. It is like Rukmini Devi has written her own life through Leela’s exercise,” he said.

Praising the author and her way of thinking, Mr. Gandhi said there are many U-turns the destiny takes but there should be no arrogance. “That emerges very beautifully in the book,” he said. Talking about her task as writer, Ms. Samson said it was not easy to write about one’s Guru, especially of a person whose life is almost hidden. “She inspired many to walk the different path of an artist, and I hope more biographies will be written about various aspects of her and other artistes.” The event was organised by Prakriti Foundation and the book is published by Penguin.

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