It was in 1930s, when the world of theatre was alien to women artistes. Male actors like Ochira Velukkutty had donned female roles in plays before a woman broke such conventions, taking up acting as her profession.
The life of K.N. Lakshmi, better known as Palluruthy Lakshmi, was as dramatic as a play. More than 70 years after her death, the theatre community paid homage to the brave actor by presenting a play, Lakshmi Adhava Arangile Anarkali (Lakshmi, the Anarkali on stage), at the Kozhikode Town Hall on Sunday as part of Onam celebrations.
The play, presented by Kozhikode Sankeerthana, portrays the life of Palluruthy Lakshmi as the first professional female protagonist on stage. She was noted for her mesmerising voice, and had been nicknamed ‘Kuyilnadam Lakshmi’. Though she essayed major roles in plays such as Ramayanam , Anirudhan , Magdalana Mariyam, and Shakunthalam by Swami Brahmavrathan, it was her portrayal of ‘Anarkali’ in Ashrukudeeram that brought her much fame and appreciation. She even acted in Balan , the first movie in Malayalam with sound.
She married Mrudangam artiste Kochancheri Narayanan despite strong opposition from her family. Lakshmi’s life took a turn after her divorce. Her theatre career was affected by tuberculosis. Her end was tragic for lack of enough care and money for treatment. Her last wish was to be buried in the attire of ‘Anarkali’.
The play was written by Hemanth Kumar. It was directed by Manoj Narayanan.
The role of Lakshmi was played by actor Meenakshi. The play features songs written by Ramesh Kavil, composed by Aleppey Vivekanandan, and sung by Vaikom Vijayalakshmi, Subha and Anu.V. Kadammanitta.
