--- title: "Kathakali Performance by Shreyasi Gopinath | Classical Dancer Delhi" description: "Explore Shreyasi Gopinath's Kathakali journey, a powerful classical art form mastered during her Kalakshetra training. Book authentic performances today." canonical: https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/dance-performances-productions/my-kathakali-days-a-throwback last_updated: 2025-09-22 --- # My Kathakali Days: A Throwback Performance Tribe Verified · Alumni of the prestigious Kalakshetra Foundation. By [Shreyasi Gopinath](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath) · Available for performances across Delhi NCR and India · ₹45K Per Performance (estimate) Part of [Dance Performances & Productions](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/dance-performances-productions). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/dance-performances-productions/gallery) Before Bharatanatyam became my primary language of expression, I immersed myself in the rigorous discipline of Kathakali during my formative years at Kalakshetra. ## Photos and videos - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/00d7895c-6356-4d7a-aede-8bc007a464a8) - ![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!](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/69bc38a4-a069-460f-84c8-289fd34f5f39) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7b289406-f4ca-4f25-b29d-c6e0ac91be2f) - ![Another look at my portrayal of Arjuna. The stylized makeup, or 'chutti', and the grand headgear, or 'kireedam', are iconic elements of Kathakali.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3112ae46-6363-44f8-863d-99c265dd2343) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/512ebe00-998c-469b-a20e-cf4ebeff1ba2) ## 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. ## About Shreyasi Gopinath I am Shreyasi, a classical dancer who finds my true home on stage. While Bharatanatyam is my current language of expression, my formative years at Kalakshetra were shaped by the immense power and discipline of Kathakali. [See all of Shreyasi Gopinath's services](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath) ## More from Dance Performances & Productions by Shreyasi Gopinath - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/dance-performances-productions/featured) - [Grand Productions: The Wheel of Choices](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/dance-performances-productions/grand-productions-the-wheel-of-choices) - [Solo Bharatanatyam Recitals](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/dance-performances-productions/solo-bharatanatyam-recitals) - [International Stage: Performances Across the Globe](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/dance-performances-productions/international-stage-performances-across-the-globe) - [Panna Dhai: A Tale of Sacrifice in French](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/dance-performances-productions/panna-dhai-a-tale-of-sacrifice-in-french) - [My Dance Academy (SGDA): The Next Generation](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/dance-performances-productions/my-dance-academy-sgda-the-next-generation) - [Collaborative Works & Special Projects](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/dance-performances-productions/collaborative-works-special-projects) - [The Art of Bharatanatyam: Educational Snippets](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/dance-performances-productions/the-art-of-bharatanatyam-educational-snippets) - [Behind the Art: My Journey & Process](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/dance-performances-productions/behind-the-art-my-journey-process) ## More services by Shreyasi Gopinath - [Bharatanatyam Dance Classes](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/bharatanatyam-dance-classes) - [Modeling](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/modeling) ## Similar work from other experts - [Authentic Bharatanatyam Performances for Events](https://mytribe.in/shreema_upadhyaya/fashion-brand-modeling/my-art-bharatanatyam) by Shreema Upadhyaya · Fashion & Brand Modeling · Available for shoots across Bengaluru & India - [Bharatanatyam Performances and Arangetram Highlights](https://mytribe.in/chandrangeeta/bharatanatyam-training-mentorship/featured) by Geeta Chandran · Bharatanatyam Training & Mentorship · In-person training at Natya Vriksha Dance Company, Gulmohar Park, New Delhi - [Featured Bharatanatyam Performances and Classical Dance Training](https://mytribe.in/jayalakshmi.eshwar/dance-education-training/featured) by Jayalakshmi Eshwar · Dance Education & Training · Classes at Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi & workshops across Delhi NCR - [Bharatanatyam Performances and Artistic Direction](https://mytribe.in/sushmithasuresh93/bharatanatyam-performance-choreography/featured) by Sushmitha Suresh · Bharatanatyam Performance & Choreography · Travels for performances in Bengaluru & Chennai; Online choreography available - [Bharatanatyam Dance and Artistic Traditions](https://mytribe.in/raginichandershekar/bharatanatyam-performances-for-events/additional-work-personal-moments) by Ragini Chandershekar · Bharatanatyam Performances for Events · Performs across Delhi NCR and travels pan-India - [A Behind-the-Scenes Look at My Bharatanatyam Journey](https://mytribe.in/navya_shree_k_n/bharatanatyam-performance/my-journey-in-dance) by Navyashree K N · Bharatanatyam Performance · Based in Bengaluru; Travels across India ## Book To book Shreyasi Gopinath, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Shreyasi%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20Kathakali%20performance%20photos%20and%20would%20love%20to%20discuss%20a%20potential%20performance%20or%20project.%20Are%20you%20available%3F)