The world of Indian classical dance said a heartfelt goodbye to a stalwart; the renowned Kathakali actor Guru Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair passed away recently at the age of 105 in Kozhikode, Kerala. His exceptional contributions have been instrumental in popularizing Indian classical dances, especially in his homeland, Kerala.
Life and Legacy of Guru Chemancheri
Born on June 16, 1916, Guru Chemancheri’s journey into the profound world of classical dance began at the Kalladikkodan school of Kathakali. It was here that he specialized and internalized the ‘Kalladikodan’ style, an essential stream of Kathakali, developed by Chathu Panicker Aasaan. This style stood out due to its equal emphasis on nritta (basic dance movements), nritya (expressional component through mudras or gestures) and natya (the dramatic element of dance). The other two primary styles of Kathakali are Vettathu and Kaplingadu.
Guru Chemancheri’s iconic portrayal of Lord Krishna and Sudama (popularly known as Kuchela in Southern India) delighted audiences. His performances were marked by his deep understanding and association with the essence of the characters, vividly bringing them to life on stage.
Recognition and Awards
For his outstanding contribution to the field of Kathakali, Guru Chemancheri was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2017.
Kathakali: An Art form of Epic Storytelling
Kathakali is recognized as one of the eight foundational classical dances of India. It infuses elements of dance, music, and acting to create a unique and immersive storytelling experience. Drawing inspiration from Indian epics, Kathakali tells tales of kings, gods, and demons. The narrative is carried forward by vocalists who recite the legend, and percussionists whose rhythms breathe life into the characters.
Kathakali is also known for its heavy use of makeup, elaborate costumes including masks, enormous skirts, and grand head-dresses. The color of the facial makeup often signifies the nature of the character being portrayed. For instance, green symbolizes nobility, black depicts wickedness, while red patches denote a blend of royalty and evil.
The Eight Classical Dances of India
Classical dance in India is not just an art form but a beautiful tapestry of culture and tradition. The eight recognized classical dances are:
– Bharatnatyam from Tamil Nadu
– Kathak from North India
– Kathakali and Mohiniyattam from Kerala
– Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh
– Odissi from Odisha
– Sattriya from Assam
– Manipuri from Manipur
The legacy of Guru Chemancheri lives on, inspiring future generations to delve into the world of Kathakali and continue the traditions he cherished over his lifetime.
