A fitting tribute to Kunjikuttan Thampuran

TRIPUNITHURA: The Kalyana Sougandhikam Kathakali staged at Kalikotta palace to commemorate renowned art critic and kathakali connoisseur Kunjikuttan Thampuran turned out to be a sumptuous feast for kathakali buffs.The play was choreographed in such a way as to give importance to the grammar of the art form. The two lead performers, Kottakkal Kesavan Kundalaayar as Bhima and FACT Padmanabhan as Hanuman explored the intense nuances and myriad moods of the characters.Kesavan Kundalaayar, already popular as a perfect actor specialising in kathi (villain) character could successfully present a fitting start to the play through the famous lines ‘Panchaala Raajathanaye...’ sung by Kalanilayam Unnikrishnan and Kalamandalam Harishkumar in the mellifluous rag Sankarabharanam.In spite of his popular image as a villain character, Kundalaayar could beautifully portray the Pacha (Hero) character, Bhima by skilfully mixing emotions like valour with romance. Glimpses of valour appear on his face the very next moment after expressing intense affection to Panchali.As he learned the basics of the dance form from Kottakkal Krishnankutty Asan, a strong representative of the Vazhenkada Kunju Nair School, the beauty of dance steps were evident, especially during the narration of the lines, Paanchaala Raajathanaye.By keeping his ‘sthayi bhavam’ (basic emotion), valour, intact, Kundalaayar could do justice to the central character Bhima, by brilliantly accepting the two rasas, veeram and sringaram, in an exquisite manner. Unlike the other pacha characters in kathakali, like Nala or Arjuna, the central character Bhima in Kalyana Sougandhikam demands these types of rare combination of valour and romance.Biju Bhaskar as Panchali could provide  support to Kundalaayar through the sophisticated rasabhinaya. The talent of the artist in donning female characters was evident from the ‘sringaara padham’ starting with ‘en kanavaa’ in rag mukhari.Through the ceremonious entry of Hanuman,  experienced senior artist Padmanabhan could give a classical touch to the scene. He has a natural way of recreating the mannerisms of Hanuman. The combination scenes of these two experienced artists could make Hanuman and Bhima memorable charecters.The synchronised percussion accompaniment provided by Aayamkudi Unnikrishnan and Kalamandalam Vineeth, on chenda and maddalam respectively, could maintain a pulsating mood throughout the play. Gopikrishnan Thampuran too assisted the artists on chenda.By all means the classic staging of ‘kalyana soungandhikam’ by selecting an experienced team of artists, turned out to be a fitting tribute to Kunjikuttan Thampuran, who was always keen to keep kathakali close to his heart. “We could feel Thampuran’s enlightened presence in the front row of the arangu, as he never missed a chance to enjoy a play choreographed as Chitta Pradhanam, said his friends and relatives.Earlier a warm reception was given to the members of the All-women kathakali troupe of Tripunithura Kathakali Club.  The senior member of Kochi royal family, Haimavathy Thampuran, was present on the occasion. A book on the life of noted women kathakali artists written by Geetha was released on the occasion.M Leelavathy handed over the first copy to kathakali artist Chavara Parukutty. Tripunithura Kathakali Club president Dr A K Sabhapathi presided over the function and Haridas Thampuran welcomed the gathering. K G Paulose introduced the book and Kala Vijayan delivered the felicitation address. Radhika Varma proposed the vote of thanks.