Multifaceted Maestro

🪔 About

Born as Abdul Manaf in the 1960s in Koolimuttam, a coastal village near Kodungallur in Kerala, India, Manu Master is a revered figure in Indian classical dance, known for his multifaceted approach and rebellious spirit. His early fascination with dance began by observing classes from a compound wall, leading his relative Aboobacker to enroll him in Bharatanatyam at the age of 12, despite community backlash. Beyond Bharatanatyam, Manu Master also delved into other classical forms, learning Kathakali, Kathak, and Mohiniyattam, though Bharatanatyam remained his deepest passion. His extensive training in Bharatanatyam included tutelage under esteemed gurus such as V. S. Muthuswami Pillai, Kalaimamani K. J. Sarasa, Adayar K. Lakshmanan, and notably, Guru Chitra Visweswaran, who introduced him to the Tantric tradition of the dance. To master the nuances of the delicate Thanjavur style, he traveled to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. After living for many years in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, he returned to his home state of Kerala. Manu Master is recognized for his innovative teaching and performance style, particularly his revival of the "bhanga-bhangis" – a provocative hip movement seen in ancient temple sculptures but largely absent in modern Bharatanatyam. This approach is considered a radical transgression of contemporary norms, reflecting his dedication to ancient techniques and scholarly research beyond conventional texts. He is committed to preserving the Tantric tradition of Bharatanatyam and guiding his disciples. His journey and artistry have been documented in a film by Virtual Bharat, solidifying his status as a master and guru.