Maa Kali costume during Kolkata’s ‘Mahavidya’ stage show sparks row, organisers apologise

A Kolkata mythological dance drama, Mahavidya, has sparked social media backlash over the portrayal of Maa Kali in an inappropriate costume.
Maa Kali portrayal sparks backlash at Kolkata’s ‘Mahavidya’ (Image via X)

In West Bengal’s Kolkata, a dance drama performance sparked outrage over the offensive portrayal of Maa Kali. The show was staged by dance production group Nitya – Faculty of Sight at Mohit Mancha in Tala Park on 8th August.

The controversy erupted after the performer portraying Maa Kali appeared on stage in an outfit that drew objections from several viewers.

The organisers of Mahavidya, a mythological dance drama staged in Kolkata, have apologised after facing criticism on social media over the portrayal of Maa Kali in an inappropriate costume. The organisers said they regretted the incident and promised to introduce stricter checks for costumes and stage presentations in future performances.

In a statement shared on Facebook, the organisers said the choreography, dance movements and presentation were the “creative decisions” of the concerned artist. They said the production team had provided the performer with only the designated script and audio for the performance.

According to the organisers, the artist had not rehearsed while wearing the costume planned for the final show. As a result, the team claimed it was unaware of what she would wear on stage. The organisers said they had expected the performer to appear in attire similar to that worn by two accompanying dancers.

However, during the final performance, she appeared in a “completely different and unspecified costume”, the organisers said.

The group acknowledged that there had been a failure in coordination and supervision. While apologising for the episode, it described the incident as “unsightly and undesirable” and said costumes and stage presentations should have been checked properly before the show.

However, the group accepted that greater supervision was required. It apologised to viewers, artists and its well-wishers and said that costumes and other elements of stage presentation would be finalised and checked in advance in future productions.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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