Chemancheri’s legacy lives on in Kathakali-OxBig News Network

Four years after Padma Shri Guru Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair’s passing, his great-nephew Kalamandalam Premkumar is working to revive his legacy at the Cheliya Kathakali Vidyalayam in Koyilandy — a school the maestro founded 42 years ago to offer free Kathakali training to students.

“He was an extraordinary talent,” said Mr. Premkumar, recalling childhood days spent watching his uncle command the stage as Krishna. “I was always fascinated by it, so I joined Kerala Kalamandalam right after Class X,” he added.

The centre, which offers training in both Kathakali and Bharatanatyam, currently trains over 300 students in disciplines such as Kathakali Sangeetham (music), Chenda, Maddalam, Keralanadanam, and even the intricate art of Chutti (Kathakali makeup). Over the years, more girls have started learning Kathakali at the school, breaking into what was once a male-dominated art form — “a positive change,” says Premkumar. The Union government currently provides financial assistance to the school.

Once deeply rooted in temple festivals, Kathakali is now gradually disappearing from Malabar stages. To combat this fading public familiarity, the school organises the annual Kathakali Padana Shibiram (Kathakali learning workshop) during April and May.

Eleven-year-old Thanmayi Renjith, a participant in the workshop, has now enrolled in the regular classes. “Initially, I was reluctant to join, but once I started learning, I loved it,” she said.

For Anagha M.S., it was watching Kuchelavrittam that inspired her to take up the classical dance-drama. “I was awestruck by its grandeur,” she said.

“It takes hours to perfect the minute details. The costume, with its many layers and heavy headgear, can be difficult to manage. That’s what makes Kathakali so unique,” Anagha added.

“The school is carrying forward Kunjiramettan’s legacy,” said Vijayalakshmi K., a resident and Kathakali enthusiast, fondly remembering Guru Chemancheri, who passed away in March 2021 at the age of 104.