Love for kathakali

Love for kathakali

"Among all my text books, I loved 'Malayalam' the most. I was so enthusiastic about reading and understanding those poems and literature which was filled with the beauty of the language. I remember it was in my 10th, I found an 'attakatha' (a literature form of modern ballet) as a chapter to study - 'Nalacharitham' by Unnayi Varier. Even though it was so unfamiliar for me till then, I liked it. It was indeed great work of Varier in which he nicely explains every minute details about how a goose comes as the messenger of 'Nalan' with his proposal for 'Damayanthi' and how it taunts her for her childishness even in her blossoming youth. 'Love' always has the same expression in any times and in any art form ; so I decided to watch this 'Kathakali' once..

Coincidentally, I came to know that there is a performance of the very same 'Nalacharitham Aattakatha' in Thrissur. I did not think twice, I went straightaway to the venue.

It was dusk by the time I reached. There were many people who were comfortably waiting for it to begin - but all elder to me! Anyhow, that longing for watching a live Kathalali was about to be fulfilled and it certainly elevated my excitement. Since I knew the story, I could easily connect to the mesmerising performance without even blink of an eye. I was falling in love with Kathakali that day. Thereafter I never missed even a single chance of watching a kathakali performance. Perhaps, if it was not there in my text book as a lesson, I would not have developed this interest in it.

I understand that language and I love that costume and the best part - way of expressing emotions through 'Bhavas'. I used to take my frie

nds along with me to watch kathakali and guess what, I like translating and explaining the story along with the lyrics and actions (mudras).

When I watch Kathakali, I feel like playing a puzzle game...! I keep on exploring each movement, I stare and watch without a blink of an eye. I really have no words to express my excitement about my love towards it…."

Syam