Ex-Kalathilakam in a different role

KOLLAM: This time, Trupthi S had a different role at the Kerala University youth festival venue. The 24-year-old, who was crowned the Kalathilakam at the last youth festival, came to the festival venue this year as a mentor of the student team from College of Architecture, Thiruvananthapuram, where she now works as a lecturer.  “The role of a mentor is equally exciting,” Trupthi says with a pleasant smile. “Here, my role is that of an accompanying teacher. I didn’t coach them, but shared some tips,” she says. In the last edition of the youth festival, Trupthi had clinched the title with a record 23 points after a tight contest. She came first in Bharatanatyam, fancy dress, English recitation and folk dance and also won the second prize for Mohiniyattam. Trupthi, who hails from Kowdiar, is also the reigning Miss Talent in the last edition of the Miss Kerala contest.“Classical dance is a passion for me,” says Trupthi, who still continues her studies under renowned masters. Her gurus include V P Dhananjayan in Bharatanatyam, Neena Prasad in Mohiniyattam and Kishore Mosilikanti in Kuchipudi. “I also learn Kathakali from Kottayam Bhagyanath. Learning different types of dance forms would be helpful even if one wants to focus on a single art form in the future,” she says. On how she finds time for her passion along with her teaching career, Trupthi says: “Just as I found time during my student life, I now find time to hone my skills as a dancer.”The passionate dancer is, however, reluctant to snap her ties with the teaching profession in architecture. “I wish to pursue two  professions in future too,” she says. Trupthi still participates in national and international events and contests. In the recently-held Cultural Olympiad in Bangkok, she came first in the folk dance category and her Mohiniyattam performance won her a second prize in the classical dances category.  Besides classical dance and architecture,   Trupthi also loves classical music. “I am a disciple of Omanakutty teacher. Though I still practise music, I don’t wish to become a professional singer,” she reveals.