My Kathakali Days: A Throwback Performance
Before Bharatanatyam became my primary language of expression, I immersed myself in the rigorous discipline of Kathakali during my formative years at Kalakshetra.
A throwback to my college days, portraying Arjuna from the Geetopadesham in Kathakali. Learning this powerful, traditionally male role under the guidance of Sadanam Balakrishna Asan was an unforgettable experience.
In full Kathakali costume and makeup. The process of getting ready is elaborate and transformative, helping the artist embody the character completely. The weight of the costume was immense!
A glimpse of my Kathakali performance from college. The training was rigorous, starting at 4 AM every day, but it taught me immense discipline and gave me a deep appreciation for this incredible art form.
Another look at my portrayal of Arjuna. The stylized makeup, or 'chutti', and the grand headgear, or 'kireedam', are iconic elements of Kathakali.
A seated pose as Arjuna, listening intently. Kathakali places immense emphasis on 'abhinaya' or facial expression, with subtle movements of the eyes and brows conveying complex emotions.
About My Kathakali Days: A Throwback
Beyond the graceful jathis of Bharatanatyam, my foundation lies in the rigorous, heavy physical discipline of Kathakali. Wearing the traditional kireedam and enduring hours of intricate chutti makeup taught me that classical dance is as much about physical endurance as it is about storytelling.
My journey into Kathakali was an intensive period of my life at Kalakshetra. Training under the guidance of Sadanam Balakrishna Asan, we lived by a schedule that demanded discipline above all else. Mornings began at 4 AM, often a struggle to wake up, yet the focus required to learn the complex eye movements and facial expressions was absolute.
Portraying characters like Arjuna required me to step entirely outside my own identity. It was a fascinating challenge to inhabit a male role, which is traditionally the domain of male dancers in this form. The weight of the costume was physically demanding, but it grounded me in a way few other experiences have. Every movement in Kathakali, from the subtle shift of an eyebrow to the powerful stance of the warrior, is coded with meaning.
While I eventually devoted myself to Bharatanatyam, the lessons from these years stay with me. The patience required to apply the makeup layer by layer, the balance needed for the heavy headgear, and the sheer focus needed to sustain energy on stage—all these elements continue to inform how I approach my own choreographies and performances today. This throwback is a tribute to those quiet, disciplined hours that shaped the dancer I am.
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