Kali portrayal offensive, say viewers, netizens; troupe issues apology
Times of India | 12 August 2026
Kolkata: Facing mounting backlash on social media over the portrayal of Maa Kali in an allegedly inappropriate costume during a mythological dance drama, the organisers of ‘Mahavidya’ have issued an apology and said they would introduce stricter checks on costumes and stage presentations in future shows.
The performance, staged at Mohit Mancha in Tala Park by dance production group Nitya – Faculty of Sight, triggered controversy after the character portraying Maa Kali appeared on stage on Aug 8 in an outfit that drew objections from viewers.
In a statement on Facebook, the organisers said the choreography, dance movements and presentation of the performance were the “creative decisions” of the concerned artist and claimed that the group had provided her only with the designated script and audio.
The organisers said the artist had not rehearsed in the costume intended for the performance and that the team had therefore not been aware of the attire she would wear on stage. According to the organisers, the team had understood that she would wear attire similar to that of two accompanying dancers, but she appeared for the final performance in a “completely different and unspecified costume”.
While apologising for the episode, the group said it acknowledged that the incident was “unsightly and undesirable” and admitted that there should have been clearer coordination and supervision over costumes and stage presentation. At the same time, the group sought to distance itself from the specific costume choice, saying the concerned performers were senior and experienced dancers who had been given considerable creative freedom based on the team’s trust in their professionalism.
“Could the form of the Mother not have been presented with greater dignity? Gods and goddesses are objects of reverence, and it feels very bad to see such vulgar scenes there,” wrote one of the viewers.
“They are not real dancers... If they were genuine dancers, they would never have had the courage to do something like this.... ,” wrote another viewer.
The group, however, expressed regret to viewers, artists and well-wishers and promised to ensure that costumes and other aspects of stage presentation are finalised and checked in advance in future performances.