It was a different experience for Kathakali aficionados in Palakkad on Saturday evening when film actor Anumol donned the role of Panchali in an all-women staging of Duryodhanavadham . The event held at Chembai Music College premises marked the anniversary celebrations of Kathakali Gramam at Kallekulangara.
“I have been learning Kathakali since the age of 13 under Gramam founder Kalamandalam Venkataraman. By choosing to play the role of Panchali on this occasion, I am paying obeisance to my mentor. After all, it was the Gramam that ended male supremacy in the field,” Ms. Anumol told The Hindu .
Artistes Arya Parappur and Saranya Premdas were also part of the performance. During the day, women artistes of the Gramam performed Narakasuravadham and Ravanavijyam .
The performance, held in association with the Palakkad Kathakali Trust.
“I have seen the performances of emerging women Kathakali artistes and they have superb talent. Women have proved that they will take Kathakali to new heights in the future,” said Anumol.
“This is the third consecutive year in which I am performing Kathakalai for the Gramam anniversary. My training as a Kathakali artiste has helped me a lot in cinema,” the actor said.
