Milena Salvini, ambassador of Kathakali in France, passes away at 84

By Express News Service

KOCHI: Milena Salvini, an Italy-born dancer who was a fantastic fanatic of Indian classical artwork, particularly Kathakali, handed away in France on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.

The 84-year-old dancer, who arrived in Kerala in 1965 to study Kathakali, had established Centre Mandapa, a faculty of Indian dance kinds in Paris, which flourished as a studying centre. She sponsored Kathakali troupes from Kerala and organized stage performances in lots of European international locations. This helped to extend the acceptance of Indian classical dance within the west. India had honoured her with Padma Shri in 2019.

Born in Milan in Italy in 1938, Milena misplaced her father when she was 4 years outdated. Her mom introduced her to France the place she began studying dance and music. In 1962 she obtained a scholarship to get educated in Kathakali at Kerala Kalamandalam. After finishing her research, Milena returned to Paris and organized a tour for a Kathakali troupe beneath the UNESCO cultural alternate programme.

Milena married Roger Filipuzzi, an architect in 1974 and together with his help opened the Mandapa Centre in Paris in 1975. In 1980, she organized a European tour for the Kalamandalam’s Kutiyattam troupe with funding from UNESCO. In 1999, she organized one other tour for Kutiyattam artists. Her efforts helped UNESCO recognise Koodiyattam as an historical artform and embody it within the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity programme in May 2001.

“She was a great enthusiast of Indian classical dance and held Indian artist in high esteem. I had performed at Mandapa along with my wife Paris Lakshmi in 2019. Mandapa is an old but beautiful theatre which serves as an Indian cultural centre,” stated Kathakali artist Pallipuram Sunil

“She was intently related to all main kathakali artists of our technology. She even used to bear Chavitti Uzhichil, the normal physique therapeutic massage for Kathakali artists. Milena had as soon as approached me to get a French pupil educated in performing as Sugreevan of Balivadham. She was the cultural ambassador of Kerala in France., stated artist Kalamandalam Ramachandran Unnithan.

 In his condolence message Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi appreciated her ardour for Indian artwork.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister stated”

“Ms. Milena Salvini will be remembered for her passion towards Indian culture. She made numerous efforts to further popularise Kathakali across France. I am anguished by her passing away. My thoughts are with her family and well-wishers. May her soul rest in peace.” 

Ms. Milena Salvini will probably be remembered for her ardour in direction of Indian tradition. She made quite a few efforts to additional popularise Kathakali throughout France. I’m anguished by her passing away. My ideas are together with her household and well-wishers. May her soul relaxation in peace.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2022

Saddened to study in regards to the passing away of Ms. Milena Salvini. An exponent of Kathakali, Ms. Milena Salvini performed an vital function in selling Indian dance and music for over 4 a long time in France. My deepest condolences to her relations. May her soul relaxation in peace. pic.twitter.com/upYtIJ8py9
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) January 26, 2022