Kerala: A tribute to Nedumudi Venu today on his first death anniversary

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Marking the first death anniversary of actor Nedumudi Venu, Kavalam Samskrithi and School of Music here will organize a tribute evening titled ‘Thambil Pooram’ on Wednesday.
The event is being curated as a close gathering led by people who had worked with Venu and those who were mentored by the actor. The event will be held at Thambu, Venu’s place of residence at Vattiyoorkavu.
“He used to be the chairman of Kavalam Samskrithi and the one person we could rely on for anything concerning the events of the school or functions held under the establishment. We are planning to have a serene and informal evening witnessing excerpts from songs, poems and plays which were close to his heart. That is why we have planned it all at his house,” says general secretary of Kavalam Samskrithi and School of Music Kavalam Sajeevan.
‘Avanavan Kadamba’, one of Venu’s memorable theatrical performances, is the highlight of the event. Conceived by Kavalam Narayana Panicker and directed by G Aravindan, the play is said to have been staged first at Attakulangara School in 1978.
“Venu sir re-staged the same as a tribute to Kavalam Panicker for his 70th birth anniversary. I will be playing the role Venu sir played, as the main paattu parisha,” said Gireesh Sopanam.
An excerpt from the play is selected for the event.
“Though this play came as a successor to others like Deivathar, it was ‘Avanavan Kadamba’ which broke the traditional method of theatre and got wide acceptance for it,” he added.
Kallan, a famous poem penned by Ayyappa Panicker, would also be performed at the gathering by actor Krishnan Balakrishnan.
“This is a poem which Venu sir had performed on various occasions, a work which he really admired for the simple beauty and meaning it carried,” said actor Krishnan.
The event will be held from 5 pm to 7.30pm. Theatre enthusiasts, music school students, artists are expected to attend the event.