New turn to Arjun’s tryst with Kathakali

Arjun Gopal V. started learning Kathakali in Class 5, when he joined Central High School, Attakulangara. He was among the students given Kathakali training under an initiative of the school protection committee in its bid to prevent the institution from being closed down. Three years later, Arjun is all set to join Kerala Kalamandalam to pursue the ‘Vadakkan’ style of Kathakali.

Arjun’s journey is uncommon as he hails from a humble family at Parambil Nagar, Manacaud. Neither his father V. Venugopal, who is into small businesses, or mother Ambika Devi, an ASHA worker, has any artistic background.

Nelliyode’s tutelage

Arjun’s interest and the tutelage of veteran Kathakali artiste Nelliyode Vasudevan Namboothiri are what have taken him to the portals of Kalamandalam.

Nelliyode says though many of the students were irregular, Arjun always evinced much interest in Kathakali. There was a time, though, when it seemed that destiny had other plans for Arjun.

After two years, the training at the school tapered off last year. Arjun too developed a fondness for football.

Then the family got to know about the Kathakali course at Kalamandalam, and asked him to give a serious thought to it. Soon, the teenager had shot off an application for admission, says Asha Gopinathan who was associated with the school protection committee.

As Arjun had to appear for a written examination, to be followed by an interview, it was time to revisit what he had learnt. He went to meet Nelliyode to brush up the practical aspects.

Nelliyode says he used to introduce the students to mudras, steps, thalams, and various stories and their background. They were also made to enact portions from their school syllabi. All these stood Arjun in good stead during the interview.

Long association

The Central High School has nearly a century-long association with Kathakali. Also, in the 1970s, the C. Achutha Menon government launched a Kathakali programme at the school, and then Nelliyode was the trainer. So, when he was asked to return to teach Kathakali, he agreed. Students began training under him every Friday for an hour or two.

The students were introduced to various aspects of Kathakali, given multiple handouts, taken to see ‘chutti’ and even performances, including ‘cholliyattam’ of Don Quixote in which Nelliyode acted. They were also asked to write about Kathakali, and were given quizzes. The school headmasters during the period also extended their support. However, it did not last.

Nelliyode rues the lack of follow-up support, and hopes Arjun’s success will inspire other students to pursue Kathakali.

“During the interview, Arjun expressed interest in doing his doctorate in Kathakali. If the school and the government extend financial and other support for the Kathakali programme, the students will enjoy better prospects, and the art form itself will get a fillip,” says Asha.

Arjun is excited about his trip to Kalamandalam, though nervous about separation from family and friends. “I am confident I can do it,” says Arjun, as he waits to start a new chapter in his life.