Malaysia’s cultural icon and legendary choreographer of the Indian classical dance is currently performing in India to showcase his new production, “Ganjam”, which premiered in Kuala Lumpur last year.

The Odissi dance show derives inspiration from the cultural heritage of the Ganjam district in the state of Odisha.

A troupe of nine dancers from Ramli’s Sutra Foundation performed to a packed auditorium at the Indian capital’s Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra on Wednesday.

Other stops on their India tour are Bhubaneswar, Rourkela Steel City and Behrampur in Odisha.

Ramli, 63, described “Ganjam” as a new and adventurous production that could enjoy “global appeal and universality”.

He said “Ganjam” integrated dance and choreography with a medley of various other dramatic and theatrical elements.

Sutra Foundation’s performances in India made a “significant bilateral, cultural statement” and promoted further Indo-Malaysian cooperation in arts and music, added Ramli.

“One of the things that India should celebrate is that with such shows, Indian culture becomes world property,” he told Bernama.

Talking about his foundation’s work in Malaysia, Ramli said his efforts were aimed at promoting Kuala Lumpur’s cultural branding.

“No city can be a business hub without a lively arts and culture scene,” he noted.

Ramli’s Indian odyssey has received support from the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi, Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Council of Cultural Relations, Kuala Lumpur-based Malaysia-India Business Council and other various business and cultural groups.

Marking the start of Ramli’s 10-day tour, the “Quintessential Sutra” book was launched at the Malaysian High Commission on April 12.

Ramli is widely acknowledged for his mastery in bharatanatyam, Odissi and contemporary dance.

He became the first Malaysian to receive India’s prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2011, in recognition of his contributions to Odissi, said to be the oldest surviving dance.

– BERNAMA