She was the quintessential Telugu ammayi in the movie America Ammayi . Now after a brief hiatus, French national Annick Chaymotty, better known as Devayani, comes to Hyderabad to put up a performance of Bharatanatyam, a dance form she has immense love and passion for.
The excitement in her voice is palpable. “I have not come to Hyderabad for a long time. I am extremely excited as Andhra Pradesh had brought me a lot of luck. It changed my life,” she exults. The luck she refers to is the movie America Ammayi directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, who turned her into a south Indian actress! “The credit goes to the director who has done it so well. Someone uploaded the video of ‘ America... ’ on YouTube and I saw a part of it, by chance. It was so difficult to believe that it was me; it is unbelievable for the kind of work he has done with me and on me. He must have been a damn good director to make me act.”
The movie rekindles memories. “Maybe I would have preferred a different kind of make-up. My traditional, orthodox look is overdone in it,” she states and adds “I know I am traditional in my values. If you see me in my day-to-day life, I am like any other Delhi girl; modern and in jeans. One does not embrace a culture by overdoing it. Having said that, I can never forget my association with the director; no one could have done a better job.”
Growing up in the cultural hub of Paris, her tryst with music began with classical guitar and she also learnt classical ballet, jazz and contemporary dance. She heard Pandit Ravi Shankar on a radio channel and was mesmerised by it. Later, a viewing of a documentary film on Bharatanatyam changed her life. She became the cultural envoy, travelling and spreading the reach of classical dance, was even awarded a Padma Shri for her work. “Destiny has played a big role as I never looked for anything. The only thing I am not keen on is dates. Because it makes me sound very old. I am young at heart and still look young,” she laughs.
Now she revives her compositions, does new choreographies and visualises new ways to interpret the traditional repertoire of Bharatanayam. “It is an ongoing process,” she smiles. She shares how the passing away of her partner N.M Kohli has left a deep void in her life. “He was my soul, inspiration and my guide. I remember him every day. In fact, his second death anniversary is in March,” she reminisces. What has been comforting is that she has found a way to overcome her sorrow. “When you are travelling, you are alone with your feelings at the airport. He would always call me to check how comfortable I was. So I have began to write songs at the airport as I wait to board the plane.”
As she continues to share her passion and enthusiasm for the ‘great dance’, she is keen to resume her international trips and get back to the social scene. “I am on my own; contented and happy,” she signs off.
The programme in the city is hosted by Rotary Club of Hyderabad.
