Kathakali veteran brings the art to life in Mumbai

Kathakali, the traditional dance-drama which has enthused audiences globally, was splendidly brought to life in Mumbai by its exponent Padmashri Kalamandalam Gopi at a function organised by city cultural organisation Keli during the weekend. Enacting the epic roles of Arjuna and Karna, Gopi floored the audience by his performances through two classic stories, Subhadraharanam and Karnasapatham. 

Actor-filmmaker Amol Palekar, chief guest for the event, honoured Gopi with the 'Golden Conch' for his contribution to Kathakali.

In a quick-paced digital entertainment era, when Kathakali is fading even in its home state Kerala, Gopi has kept its flag flying high. In his late seventies, Gopi, originally Vadakke Manalath Govindan Nair, received training at Kerala's Kalamandalam, of which he was once principal. He said, "Kathakali should be introduced at school level. It wil generate employment for teachers and help students learn the basics. The state government should find ways to financially support Kathakali artists, and provide new avenues for students who pass out of Kalamandalam and other institutions."

He added that Europeans are passionate about Kathakali. "Actors in France think Kathakali is the foundation for learning acting and they are keen to understand the nuances of body movement besides the literature around this art," he said. 

Gopi's abhinaya (acting), groomed in the Kalluvazhi tradition, has made a mark with his portrayal of epic roles such as Nala, Karna, Rukmangadan, Arjuna, Bhima and Yudhisthra. With a flair for innovation, he diversified into anti-hero roles of Ravana, Keechaka and Duryodhana. "I don't select the roles I am going to do at a show. For me all the roles are equally challenging and interesting," he said.

While Gopi has acted in films such as Vanaprastham and Shantham, he is also the subject of one, a documentary by Adoor Gopalakrishnan. "My heart is in Kathakali more than films which may be easier," he said.

In favour of propounding the art form among youth, he said, "I think a demo lecture on Kathakali before performances will help the younger generation. They will benefit from understanding it as an art besides the message-laden stories." 

Presently, Gopi is busy writing the draft of a book on Nala Charitham. "My book is a humble effort to overcome the shortcoming of Unnivariyar's original book. It may help Kathakali artists understand the nuances of mudras and other dynamics," he noted.

Appreciating the support for Kathakali in Mumbai, Keli Ramachandran, director of Keli Festival, lauded the audience for showing up in large numbers.