Notes to Myself l Episode 1 l Season 1 l Leela Samson l MOPA

Notes to Myself is one of MOPA's flagship projects - a series of interactive, expository documentaries that deconstructs the lives and creative processes of some of the most impactful professionals and organisations associated with South India's performing arts. Done in a let-your-hair-down and from-the-heart way, these offer an honest, moving and at times funny and charmingly unguarded look at the lives of these artistes.
Episode 1 of this series features Leela Samson.
Leela Samson is among India’s most lauded Bharatanatyam dancers. Over the years, her style has metamorphosed from the best of her alma mater Kalakshetra, into a unique and exquisite expression all her own - unostentatious, serene, graceful and marked by impeccable technique and precision. In short, her dance is a perfect extension of her personality.
Leela is a multi-faceted personality with an immense contribution to the performing arts of India. She is a teacher, choreographer, actor and author, and has served as Chairperson of Sangeet Natak Akademi, Director of Kalakshetra and Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification.
Segment markers:
01:56 - Childhood and early memories
09:40 - Rukmini Devi Arundale
13:26 - Other influences
20:52 - Switch to solo
25:00 - Teaching in Delhi
26:54 - Psyche of a student - then and now
30:58 - Spanda
35:03 - Bharatnatyam - the context and beyond
38:00 - Group choreography - pros and cons
40:56 - Guru shishya parampara
42:29 - Authoring Rukmini Devi's biography
43:49 - Working with the censor board
46:26 - Acting in films
51:15 -Role of the government in the arts
Film Credits :
Concept, Curation and Artistic Direction - Savita Narasimhan
Direction and Editing - Gowrishankar Venkatraman (@gowrishankarv)
Director of Photography - Santhakumar Chakravarthy (@santhakumarchakravarthy)
Associate Cameraman - Vignesh Ganesan
Production Management - B Charles, Gowtham Ganesan (@chennaiarttheatre)
Photographs and Visual Excerpts from the Archives of :
Leela Samson ©Leela Samson
(Late) Sunil Kothari
Samudri archives © Sruti Foundation
Sincere Thanks to
Madras Talkies, Halitha Shameem
Venue Courtesy
Kanakavalli @ Kingsley, Chennai (@thekanakavalliedit)
MOPA is grateful to Ms Ahalya for permitting the use of the charming grounds of Kingsley for filming this episode.
Chief Sponsor - Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
MOPA is grateful to Kauvery Hospital, Chennai for supporting this project.
Produced by MOPA Foundation ©2021
All text, photos, images and other data contained in this episode are copyright 2021 of the Museum of Performing Arts (MOPA) Foundation. The same is intended for personal or educational use only and may not be used in any commercial form without prior written permission.

[@saiveera6033]

I was class mate of Ms Leela Samson in Besant Theosophical High School, Adyar, Madras, and so became nostalgic. Ms Leela's honesty, her attitude to unlearn and learn, openness, and willing to explore are admirable. I also would like to congratulate the way the show is conceived and directed . Hoping to watch more of such

[@Likit257]

Leela and honest? YES YES.. Just like Pappu and Rahul are intelligent! disgusting

[@dakkumar]

I don’t think of her as a dancer. I don’t think of her as an artist. What I think of her is that she is the sort of person I would like to be. Every time I come across a clip of hers, every time I see her dance or speak, every time I see her just sit there, I think this is what it means to be in a state of grace.

[@kittyscurtain]

Couldn't have said it better 💗 same here

[@jkk12346]

@@kittyscurtain sharing that same thought too wow

[@sindujar1967]

Beautifully expressed! :)

[@lakshmibalaji8294]

Such a beautiful interview. Felt so good to know her thoughts and this is a model modern woman. So simple , such clarity , maturity beyond religion , can't stop admiring and respecting her . This is how a modern woman in India should be . Who will not respect a woman full of knowledge, simplicity, the list goes on.

[@sabrinamachadosgarden3191]

A true artist, I can listen to her all day. She has so much positive energy.

[@reemamuneer3870]

Simply a classic interview of a lady with class and culture. I love India for this fact and thank you for putting up such good work MOPA. Keep Going because we have much more to be celebrated in our country.

[@savithrirao58]

Leela Samson is a true artiiste & has been totally devoted to the artforms like Bharathanatyam & Kathakali. She has very beautifully covered her journey. Enjoyed listening to her. God bless her.

[@triptitripti3052]

This suddenly took me almost thirty years back..I think I saw her performing in Benaras(U.P.). As an young journalist I could only got few minutes to talk,which was certainly not enough .I remember her graceful dnce and calm personality. Thanks for these enlightening notes with lots of knowledge and insight

[@anitaratnam]

Over the years, Leela has continued to walk the path of grace and dignity. Her thoughtful words, her composed and held softness and core elegance has rarely wavered. I have LOVED this episode and wish that so many young dancers born after 1990 would watch, listen and absorb every word. Thank you LEELA and MOPA..

[@mopa9946]

Thank you so much :)

[@swathimurthynathan6851]

What a calm and composed person! Soulful interview.. So peaceful by just watching her speak.

[@mdmd5774]

I was her student at Gandharva Maha vidyalaya, New Delhi. I still remember her telling my mother how good I was at Bharatnatyam, never knew she was that popular, very down to earth and charming lady

[@arunchalam6089]

Education without fear....art without vulgarity.....superb

[@kolsvids]

I saw her once at a Besant Nagar departmental store and was awestruck. So much grace in picking up grocery. It took sometime for me to figure out who this person was. I went home and kept ranting to everyone, why hasn't anybody cast her in a movie? Then 'Ok Kanmani' happened. Being a Kalakshetra-addict, I can understand her sentiments towards the institute. Blessed to be living around the institute.

[@AmarjitSinghDhaliwalDrDhali]

Just finished watching this so very beautiful interview . It was done so gracefully . Art is so essential in our life . It takes us deep into our inner being . To our true nature as a human being . Not some programmed or conditioned who gets trapped or entangled in the social construct or establishment . We are all Artist . Our living , experience and expression is art . Thank you Leela Samson .

[@jaykay.123]

Wow🤩 what a beautiful journey. Loved it mam👌 such class.👏👏

[@deeptipandey8881]

It’s so amazing listening to her. Her persona and voice is so enchanting and meditative. She has this extraordinary way of storytelling so quietly leading you through those times. ❤️

[@shebasvlog2447]

so beautiful ! Transporting us back to those years! Even someone with absolutely no dance background and not from that era can understand what's told! Just brilliant!

[@gitamanian]

Leela I watched all 57 minutes at one sitting. In all honesty, I have seen you on screen more than anything else. Never seen you dance live. But after this really want to do so. Want to read your biography on Rukmini Arundale. What comes through crystal clear in this film is your clarity and articulation. And there is much to ponder over especially the idea that the nayiks is a personification of a longing and yearning for a certain distant ideal.

[@arunchander7]

This is an amazing interview - aesthetic, thoughtful, nostalgic and brimming with intellect. Kudos to MOPA for setting the bar high on how artistic interviews/documentaries need to be done. Leela Samson is not only towering giant in the field of dance but also an amazing raconteur & conversationalist. I am looking forward to the other episodes!

[@meghanakanvinde4647]

Leelaji is a very poised lady. I have seen her just one movie on Netflix but she really acted so naturally.

[@chakravarthydhonga5938]

She is a blend of beautiful thoughts. A soulful interview.

[@pankojsingharoy4119]

She is the embodiment of grace, simplicity, beauty and truth... She is like goddess Saraswati... 🙏🙏🙏

[@susripolo]

Grace, simplicity, honesty and humility personified Leela Samson! The production was a reflection of the qualities of the subject. Well done MOPA.

[@franciir]

Oh! She's grace personified. Thanks for the upload!

[@richaregerajadhyax]

"we didn't have toys we could play with, or gadgets BUT our life was just so full", so true and wonderful

[@swethasenthilkumar7047]

She has a divinity!!! So beautiful inside out

[@kashmiralove4207]

Wow! What Grace! Thank you for sharing about Dr. Maria Montessori too. 🙏🏽🌿🤲🏽

[@Mayareddi]

I was watching this fantastic video about Leela Samson. I have watched her dance for three decades, including in New York. She is the true essence of what a dancer is. Her artistry is evident is her modesty as well as in her words. We were born on the same day - what a blessing

[@harishchandhar7122]

This film brims with Love. If not for immense respect and deep love for the artist in Leela Samson, someone couldn't have come up with this kind of a production to capture the myriad aspects of her life and her art. There is so much honesty and simplicity in her words that make the film so grand. Thank you MOPA, there couldn't be a more befitting way to honour her!

[@IamRajnikanth]

Only one word, " soothing..." Human behind artists 👌👌

[@jayvick2008]

She's got so much grace. Would be lovely just to spend time with her or be around her.

[@divyavarghese3749]

Right from the heart....We need more of these kind of documentaries...Each word is perfectly said through her life experiences..really loved it..

[@neerajamb]

Leela Akka- you are a human being of such essential and sublime grace, it shines through everything you say and do. I am grateful to have met you and learnt from you- what an consummate artist!

[@anandabhairavidance]

Leela ma'am, she adds grace to any room by her plain simple presence. Even in the simple cotton sari she is shining so bright! Her point about collaborative effort with other shishyas held so much relevance when she brought together Radhe Jaggi, Bhavajan Kumar, her students and Harinie Jeevitha, a disciple of Smt Sheela Unnikrishnan. The performance was so candid and saw the artists becoming the art. I was taking notes on everything she said. Thank you for this, MOPA! Awaiting more!

[@thayapariparamasivam7963]

Love her calmness and her tamil🥺😍

[@anu2970]

Leela Ma'am now and then very graceful❤️❤️❤️... wonderfully shot..

[@mvidhyavmrk]

My heart is overloaded with peace on seeing her! 💓

[@meenakshia5106]

Huge respect Leela mam...u took to some other world through ur art of speech...🙏🙏🙏

[@enishaeshwar7617]

I can listen to her all day long! Few things that bring pure joy, this interview is one such thing. I have a LOT to learn from her.

[@mamathacnjain]

I'm glad that I found this interview of leela mam.. I'm honored to witness this story about her dance and about kalakshetra.. it was such delight to listen to her 🙏🤗

[@lataravichandran1768]

A very genuine portrayal of the human behind the artist,Leela Samson...enjoyed every moment of it.Her simple,humble sharing of various aspects of her life is very inspiring to all, especially to the young art aspirants of today.Kudos to Savita and her team,Gowrishankar and others ,for capturing the subtleties and aesthetics of a very high order ...waiting to watch other artists too,keep up the good work.

[@unna318]

Very inspiring personality. Ppl see her or hear for the first time undoubtedly fall in love for her charisma and esthetic speaking. In total she is a wonderful human being to know more or learn from 🙏 great work from the team 👌👍

[@vinitavenugopal3115]

Such a well-made film. Loved how articulate she was in expressing her opinions and ideas without ever being defensive, disrespectful, or 'loud'. So much to learn. Thank you, Ma'am.

[@VSPG_SIVANI]

True

[@dhaval1122]

It was a joy to listen to her, her experiences, and thoughts about art! So rare to get insight into artists' unique outlook to life.

[@snehasj6574]

WHY IS THE FILM OVER IN JUST 57 MINUTES????!!!!!!!!!! (I am becoming a bit too greedy now)Of course, this is a wonderful episode no doubt but I expected a bit more than shown! Watching Leela Samson speak without dancing abt so many aspects was a blissful experience!

[@neerajamb]

Disciple, responsibility and philosophy: 3 absolutely core necessities for students. ❤️💕🥰😍

[@goutham244]

Dear Team MOPA, I’m truly overwhelmed with the joy of nostalgia rite now for the way u presented the whole flow of Notes by Leela Samson Amma. And what an utterly amazing and joyful treat it was to listen and watch leela ji explaining and exploring the chorinicles with so much dignity, honesty and that kids like joy on her face throughout the episode. Truly this will be a befitting archive for the legendary soul. The best part is the flow of events discussed, delivered and each segment got its proper view and perspective through leela amma. Rare we get to listen and rarest do we get the thought to record when someone is there to share as a first person. Got to know many many valuable things from amma and her strong hold statements on few topic which made me feel happy and this is what this generation is collectively missing to learn. Finally I would say Thank You to the whole team and technicians for delivering this wonderful output and capturing memories with utmost respect and in sensible ways. Thank You Leela Mam’ for sharing your smile and thoughts throughout with lot of affection. With Regards. Goutham.Mukka

[@champaklaxminagarajan51]

👍

[@sahanadas2845]

I could hear her forever. So genuine!

[@saisha783]

Lady with grace & pois.... exceptionally classy!

[@MRM-9]

The grace of young Rukmini Devi in that black and white photo just penetrates your eyes and heart.

[@shyamalacharyulu5033]

Her intellectual and asthetical narration of Dance etc i gave revised my memories. Long time back she performed in our Navy meet at Delhi. The way she explained the meaning of the song which she performed Was so,Beatiful .i stiil remember those words spoken do sweetly.The voice and Ms leela remains same

[@deepaganeshram3426]

Thoroughly enjoyed every minute. What struck me most is the simplicity. The simplicity of the legendary dancer, the simplicity of the set, the clothes and the questions. Simple...yet so powerful, so enchanting. The questions progressed so logically and chronologically. Thank you for this. Looking forward to more.

[@kiransandhu3672]

what a pleasure to hear u speak madam,just happen to see your face n i knew i had to listen to u:)) enjoying your stories n thank you for sharing so openly..i salute your bravery & honesty..#leelasamson lady of passion,grace n great storyteller,n surely dancer too:) hope to meet u one day.

[@batmakshimohan-arvind2127]

A very apt choice for Season 1 and Episode 1, good luck with a good run on this series! Nice knowing Leela amma, loved her openness and acceptance to the alternative ideas.

[@kripa1977]

Deeply moved and inspired akka. Thank you so much

[@deepavivek908]

Please do continue making many more videos highlighting such gems among us. They need to be celebrated and we also need to learn from their rich journey of life. Namaskaram to Leela Amma🙏🙏🙏💐💐

[@shyamalacharyulu5033]

Thank you Team MOPA. Her voice is so sweet.It was the same many years ago .

[@DSFNamrtaAnil]

I was her student at Shri Ram Bhartiya Kala Kendra and Justin was also learning at that time both are very simple and down to earth now I am teaching my daughter what I have learnt from her her grace and perfection I am trying to teach her she is a great guru and great human being. my panama in her feet's

[@WatchAndLearnHindi]

Thanks MOPA for this interview. It felt so good to see and listen to Leela Akka after a long time (even if it is only on screen) 🙏

[@jayanthiramu3648]

Awww my how I adore her ❤️❤️ Total grace physically and mentally!!

[@2001divyapaul]

Good job of recommending this for me, KZbin. The accuracy of your algorithm is accurate, pleasing and scary - all at the same time! Clearly, Leela lived a major part of her life in a truly free world! That was before ours...... #Respect

[@warrierchitra]

This can also be said as "Dil Se".. 😍😍 such a heart touching conversation.. ❤❤🙏🙏

[@smithasusan1125]

True

[@ninabhagat7264]

How tragic that voices like hers are silenced, that pure intentions of hers are doubted, souls like hers are allowed to languish. To the forces that silence her, know that she will shine brighter & beyond what you can fathom.

[@nehamahadeshwar9782]

Such beautiful thoughts! She must be an amazing person!

[@kumudvathikushali890]

Thank you MOPA for such a wonderful interview. I'm starstruck. Leela akka is such a huge inspiration to me. Listening to her made my day. Bless us akka 🙏 We love you.❤️ Can't wait to see other great artists. Great work MOPA❤️

[@Bujj1kutt1]

Enjoyed it thoroughly although this is the first time I came across her name. Very happy that through this interview I became acquainted. Charming, calm, and very gracious.

[@shwetsmohan]

Aha! One of the best interviews in a very very long ... thank you for doing this ..

[@pranavsreekumar5068]

Have no words to appreciate this beautiful effort! Absolutely enlightening! Not just Leela akka and her experiences, but the beauty and aesthetics of this video take us to another level. Almost an hour long video, yet haven't looked away for a second. Thank you, thank you thank you!🙏 God bless this humble and beautiful soul- Leela akka!❤️

[@Rohinee16]

I have no words to express the gratitude I feel watching and listening to this grace in motion ! To the makers of this episode, take a bow !

[@aparnabhargavi]

beautifully captured and i love her voice. always admired and loved.

[@rajeshya1223]

What a nostalgic feeling after watching this interview !! Very pleasant and gives a inner sense of motivation .. Thanks i found this on my watch list else i would have really missed a good content on youtube .. Old photos and memories always a self awakening process for oneself.

[@gowribalu1]

I guess art has the capacity to bring charisma! Such profound revelations spoken as matter of fact with the same exhilaration as experienced! I could simply spend all my time talking to such people!

[@pratyusharao7479]

I am overwhelmed with joy after listening to akka speak about emotions we all feel as dancers or art practitioners but don’t often speak about in public. Akka your journey is so inspiring and in all of this your simplicity stands as your charm. Thanks to mopa for this wonderful interview 🙏🏻

[@geetamolahally520]

Thoroughly enjoyed the hour long program, so beautiful! and Leela Samson, such a graceful and gracious lady, just listening to her talk is a pleasure! Thank you for this beautiful creation - your series, looking forward to more...

[@dAsh186]

Such an amazing person ❤.. Great thoughts.. I am so blessed to hear you... you are such an inspiration . May God bless this beautiful gifted soul 🙏 I truly admire you and Love you 😍

[@ThangPat]

Intellectually and aesthetically so satisfying and smooth-flowing. Thoroughly relished. Jayaraman from Canada

[@ambikavohra]

Loved it.... such a graceful person. ❤️

[@revathi48]

Thank you so much For everything and everyone Leelaa ma.

[@kulandaivelugeethanjali4396]

Absolutely divine to look at and listen to .. India is a divine land..with so many many art forms

[@pvijayakumar4217]

An amazing and genuine personality - taken in an excellent format - beautiful production.

[@aishwariyaaramakanthan9406]

This was so wonderful. Was transported to a lovely, languid and elegant world filled with such interesting people.

[@vidhyamahadevan]

Truly revealing of the human behind the artist..cannot wait to watch the next episode

[@N2761997]

So very beautifully done, exceptional quality, insightful, authentic and thoroughly engaging. 57 mins? Flew by...gracefully. She is a treasure! Super excited for the upcoming episodes, much love.

[@prabharavisundar4252]

I like the way she speaks without a put on accent yet speaks impeccable English.

[@vaishnavisatheesh911]

Actually most of the influential women from South are so simple in accent and grounded as well!

[@sureshmathav9857]

She is fluent, but she paused a lot

[@drpiyushraj]

@@sureshmathav9857 thats not called paused a lot..thats the stillness and composure of her nature and way to approach life in general that come across sooo clearly.. those pauses as you mention are essential and very important in life as well!!🙏🙏😊😊

[@sureshmathav9857]

@@drpiyushraj I admire her speech. No doubt. I told my opinion on main comment.

[@lekshmys3464]

This interview was as graceful, mystical and soulful like it's subject... beautiful..

[@rajashreeramu1986]

Tears rolling out when he proudly say that am Narthaki!! you are an big role model and inspiration to all the aspiring dancers! Loads of love to you and respect mam!

[@KaashiArts]

Beautifully shot. Wonderfully profiling the simplicity in her beauty.

[@raninarula9648]

Q

[@thilagavathiveeriah5331]

Beautiful talk .I Love you dear,Take care.

[@gaurikulkarni336]

what a great human being and dancer with such a humble ,simple ,pure approach towards an art and life.

[@keerthanasenthilkumar4281]

Such an inspiring life✨🙏🌼

[@manojclarence]

Thank you guys , for such an insightful yet beautiful peek into a life of one of the finest our country has ever produced , some of the shots were almost magical to match the magnetic personality of Ms.Samson

[@madhurithanage9009]

What a composed thought process. Especially what she spoke about teachers.❤️❤️❤️

[@vijayalakshmimuthusamy4295]

I am just watching the episode. I'd love to visit Kalakshetra when I am in India. Ms Leela Samson's is so graceful.

[@prempillay]

I love everything about Leela's narration of her memoir. Such grace, beauty and inspiration. What an interesting life journey through dance.

[@businessdeveloment8568]

excellent presentation

[@skammeliesh]

Such a beautiful and honest talk. Loved it to the core.

[@masoom_parmar]

What a lovely episode! Sensitive, thoughtful and just so tender!

[@jayasruthimvarghese7353]

Such a graceful talk! Beautiful🙏🙏🙏

[@isheeria]

a lovely video... a slice of a life, different from mine, poignantly simple and lovely ❤ Thank you for this wonderful vignette

[@drpiyushraj]

So very inspiring to listen to Leela Akka talk about her own insights on various topics... the stillness in her voice and her thoughts comes across so beautifully and that touches the heart always!. And kudos to the whole team- so beautifully shot and edited and presented with the music score as well!. Looking forward to the Episode 2... Thanks

[@pavithrasathya5030]

Beautifully done! Phenomenal interview ❤️