‘He was generous with his knowledge’
DR SUNIL KOTHARI’S contribution to the dissemination of knowledge on Indian classical dance was unsurpassed.
His many published books on the subject are hugely informative and accessible to both connoisseurs and lay readers. He was a fount of information on current trends in Indian dance, on the new young talent emerging as well as established professional performers.
His indefatigable energy, shown by his attendance at performances in India and all over the world, his personal engagement with artists and his knowledgeable talks given regularly to packed audiences was the mark of the man.
Intellectually, culturally and personally, he was loved and respected by everyone in the world of dance and performance, and his work had a profound effect globally on the understanding of Indian classical dance forms.
I was in touch with Sunil recently (in November 2020) on social media and by email, when we were discussing again the work of Indian dancer Ram Gopal, so this news came as a great shock.
We shared a deep love of Gopal’s work and often conversed about his early dance performances and our respective meetings with him.
The last time I saw Sunil was in Birmingham, UK, for the large dance conference, Navadisha. His cheery manner, vast knowledge on dance and dear friendship were things I valued so much and feel their lack so poignantly now he is gone.
I have fond memories of dear Sunil, Hari Krishnan, Rex and Sadanand sitting drinking whiskey and wine illegally in my hotel bedroom at the Woodlands Hotel, Chennai, while having the most fabulous dance conversations and sharing hilarious jokes. Those were the days!
Dear Sunil, your presence at dance performances, your friendship, generous sharing of your knowledge, your published writing and regular written updates in the world of Indian dance were treasured by us all. May you rest in deep peace.
Ann R David is professor of dance and cultural engagement at the University of Roehampton, London. She specialises in dance anthropology and south Asian classical and popular dance, and is currently working on a monograph of Indian dancer Ram Gopal.