My Kathakali Days: A Throwback Performance

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.