Master an age old art form

The ancient art of Kalaripayattu has been brought back into focus by a host of celebrities like Tiger Shroff, Vidyut Jamwal and Richa Chadda. The fluid movements which have sometimes been used in dance numbers, are a great alternative for traditional workouts in the gym. Kalaripayattu artist Arpit Singh is an advocate for this martial art form. In 2008, Kalaripayattu artist Arpit Singh took up the martial art form to improve his body posture and flexibility for the stage. He went off to Kerala to learn the traditional art. So impressed was he with the art form, that he decided to teach it himself after undergoing a three-year course. Arpit will hold a workshop this morning to teach the basics of Kalaripayattu at the House of Wow, Bandra.

Arpit will first teach 30 basic forms and kicks, and then introduce animal stances and kalari exercises, which he says, will focus on both the mind and the body. The kicks are a series of movements that improve strength and flexibility while the animal stances focus on improving one’s core strength, understanding presence and staying in the moment as a performer. He says, “The animal stances are an important part in this art form since it is said that it helps improve one’s frame of mind.”

The theatre practitioner admits that he owes a lot to the art form. He says, “Kalari has made my body much more flexible. I think today I am much more focussed that I used to be. I can now stand for at least two-three hours during theatre workshops without getting tired. People around me have noticed that I have become much more graceful. When you are associated with the performing arts, that’s always a plus.” Kalaripayattu Workshop by Arpit Singh, today, 10 am onwards, at House of Wow, Hill Road, Bandra (W)