Latest news with #Kuchelavritham
New Indian Express
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
‘Difficult to stay away from stage', Kalamandalam Gopi set for a comeback
KOCHI: Four months after announcing his decision to retire from the stage, Kalamandalam Gopi, the doyen of Kathakali, is all set to return to the stage. He will be performing as Kuchela in 'Kuchelavritham' at Evoor Major Sri Krishna Temple near Kayamkulam on September 14, Ashtami Rohini Day. 'After retiring from stage I have been receiving invitations from kathakali lovers across the state. But I am not able to perform as I cannot stand for more than five minutes due to acute pain in my knees. I accepted this invitation as the programme is on Ashtami Rohini day, the birthday of Lord Krishna and the character is that of Kuchela. I cannot perform Pacha (Satvika) roles as it is difficult to wear the heavy headgear and elaborate costumes. The role of Kuchela is simple as the only costume is a dhoti. The character has to walk through the aisle and can sit beside Krishna for the rest of the play,' said the 88-year-old artist. Born at Kothachira in Palakkad district in 1937, Kalamandalam Gopi, has been celebrated as the evergreen hero of kathakali and has been active on stage for seven decades, popularising the traditional artform and winning fans across the globe. After graduating from Kalamandalam at the age of 20, Gopi joined the institution as a teacher and retired as principal in 1992. He has been honoured with Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Kerala Sangeet Nataka Akademi Award, Kalamandalam Fellowship and the Kalidas Samman (2011). He acted in three movies and renowned director Adoor Gopalakrishnan has made a documentary on his life. His last performance was at Kottakkal Viswambhara temple in April 2024, where he played the role of Kuchela. The last elaborate performance was at Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple where he portrayed Bahuka in 'Nalacharitham.' 'It is difficult for an artist to stay away from stage. I want to continue but health issues are causing difficulties. I won't say the programme at Evoor will be my last performance, but I have not accepted any other invitation. I have some age-related difficulties and cannot travel often,' said Gopi Asan.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Not against Vedan, but discuss academic subjects as required: SUCC
T'puram: Save University Campaign Committee (SUCC) has denied the allegation that it opposed the inclusion of the work of rapper Hirandas Murali, popularly known as Vedan, in the Calicut University Malayalam literature syllabus. Committee chairperson R S Sasikumar said that the lack of academic common sense in asking BA Malayalam students to compare the music of Michael Jackson and Vedan should not be viewed as a plot against the rapper. "Vedan is an emerging artist in Kerala. Let the young man grow. Do not cast a shadow over his future by dragging him into controversies. Discuss academic subjects as academic subjects," the committee said. "Vedan's rap and Michael Jackson's pop are unique musical blends. Music is prioritised over poetry. Those creating the Malayalam BA syllabus should not ignore this. The most important issue is whether the rap song given as a study subject for students is appropriate for Malayalam degree students. The rap 'Bhoomi Njan Vazhunnaidam' cannot be claimed to have literary merit. There is an allegation that party politics is the reason for its inclusion," SUCC said in a statement here. SUCC also said that it is unclear whether literature and rap music should be compared. "Kuchelavritham was written by Muringoor Shankaran Potty. It depicts the devotional singing of the poor Brahmin Kuchelan during his great meeting with his friend Lord Krishna. Many great artists have performed this before, with slight variations, devoutly. Young singer Gauri Lakshmi beautifully sang this Kathakali Padam and released an album. However, its visual presentation has been criticised for not aligning with devotion and not being suitable for Kuchelavritham," the statement said. "But that's not the issue. Comparing these two renditions requires significant musical understanding. How can students who take Malayalam as an optional subject without a music requirement make this comparison? This could definitely be included in the syllabus for music degree students studying classical music," the committee said.
