Ma Kalaadevi Ananda

Kalaadevi is known for the feeling connection she creates when she works with actors. Hers is an alchemical process whose artistry enriches the face yet keeps its essential integrity. It is no surprise that Susan Sarandon picked Kalaadevi to be her make up artist for more that 30 films over a 21 year period. At the start of her career, Kalaadevi was the recipient of the Jane Burr Award as Artist of the year as well as the the recipient of the Leva House Award for portrait sculpture. Having studied with the renowned painter and modern realist, Philip Pearlstein, she uses the palette with the skills inherent in a fine artist. The face has been her canvas throughout her work in film. Playing with light and shadow she enhances or diminishes bone structure, she emphasizes the radiance of youth or imprints the effects of disease and age. Whatever is the desired effect, she manifests. Her yogic initiations in India from HH Sri Nithyananda Swami, have not only given her the gift to heal and nurture the skin, but also has insured her ability to create a serene environment for the actor. Aware of the importance of lighting, the size lens and placement of the camera; Kalaadevi always holds the space for collaborative work with both the film director and director of photography. It is no wonder that Steve McQueen, director of "Shame" and "12 years a Slave" demands her presence in film.