Celebrating 60 years of The master's kathakali

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Malayalam movie Thambu, directed by G Aravindan, who presented a unique and novel experience to film lovers, V K Sreeraman and myself decided to organise a programme, named Aravinda Sandhya at Thirunavaya, where the movie was shot, in which friends and relatives of Aravindan and people connected with the movie came together.
It was also decided to screen Thambu at Nava shores. The programme went off well, beyond expectations. It was Thambu that marked my entry to films as well as that of Sreeraman. The movie that became a turning point in our lives and the get-together was so unforgettable that we decided to celebrate the 30th anniversary as well. Sreeraman put forward a suggestion then that we have to give an award in Aravindan's name to two eminent personalities from the fields Aravindan dealt with and relished.
As Aravindan was a cartoonist, Sreeraman suggested the name of Gopikrishnan of Mathrubhumi daily, as he was doing an awesome job in that field. The second award? Should it be from music, literature, dance, percussion, folklore...? Suddenly I thought of Maraattam. Maraattam was a poetic drama of Kavalam that flows like a poignant melody. Perhaps unsure that it can be brought alive on stage, many have shied away from attempting it, except for a few initiatives. It was that play Aravindan tried to incorporate in cinema. Kavootty, cherishes an eccentric love for the amorous Keechakan while at the same time keeping a scornful distance from Kelu, the actor. Koyippaattiri, her male partner, in turn, hates Keechakan and reveres Kelu.
Sadanam Krishnankutty Asan was the person selected by Aravindan to play the role of Keechakan. People, who know about filmmaking, will be aware of the difficulties of wearing makeup for films. One will have to wait for hours to apply make-up, whether it is day or night. The breaks between shots can be very disgusting and often the actors will have to go without food for long. Moreover, Aravindan had his own relaxed style of shooting.
Incessant rain posed an obstacle too. Yet, Asan excellently portrayed the role of Keechakan by overcoming all the difficulties involved in filmmaking and there was no one more suited for the award.
But he could not make it for the event as he was busy with a Kathakali performance at Koodal Manikyam temple. His wife accepted the award on his behalf. However, I got the opportunity to honour Krishnankutty Asan by presenting it, even though much younger than him in terms of years.
After many years, the organisers and relatives showed the courtesy to invite me to the 70th birthday celebration of Asan. However, due to certain commitments, I could not attend. Even while that disappointment prevailed, I got another opportunity to honour Asan. Whenever I get time, I used to go to enjoy Kathakali performances staged by Thiruvananthapuram Drishya Vedhi. To my excitement, I found in the notice that Asan was going to perform Keechakan. I thought it’s an opportunity to watch his performance and also wish him directly. After reaching the venue I came to know that the organisers were also honouring Asan. It was me, who was bestowed with the privilege to honour Asan who came on stage in the attire of Keechakan. In short, I got the opportunity to honour him on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
I wish and pray that Sadanam Krishnankutty Asan continues to excel on the stage by playing various roles with the same vigour and liveliness throughout his life. Like all other well-wishers, I also wish and pray that he is blessed with a serene life as a family man and as a social being.