Still from the National Award-winning film Lasya Kavya

Valli shares that the film — which weaves together her performances, archival footage with gurus, interviews, and chats with Arun Khopkar, Zubin Mehta and Bombay Jayashri, among others — was an illuminating process for her. "I didn't know how the camera worked. But Meshram, who is deeply involved in music and poetry — two central influences in my dance — was sensitive to my process, and there was a natural flow of energy between him, me and the camera," she shares.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.76%

AAP 43.10%

INC 24.14%

Submit

View All In Poll

However, Meshram, who has won the National Award five times and has also worked with Charles Correa and Girija Devi among others, tells us that Valli is not only a performer, but also a filmmaker. "She constantly responded creatively to the nuances of filmmaking. That is how we were able to capture the dynamism of her craft."

On the eve of the digital premiere, the dancer reminisces that the film was shot amid the winter rains in and around Chennai. "It's my favourite season, and I feel that the greys of the clouds and the sea, and greens of the rice fields and casuarina groves, where we filmed, seeped into the narrative," she says, recollecting a particular scene where the rain-soaked surroundings harmonised with her thoughts.

Sankalp Meshram

It's this multi-layered nature of the film, Meshram explains, that makes it a must-watch. "It opened to a great response back in 2012, but I feel, with a digital release, it will reach many more people. It is a work that should be seen by all as it's not just about her or the context of her dance; it addresses larger questions of art, aesthetics and the exchange between tradition and modernity, which Valli ji embodies," he concludes.

On Today, 9 pm
Log on to youtube.com/theaalaap

Keep scrolling to read more news

Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and a complete guide from food to things to do and events across Mumbai. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news