Important to give chances to new talents, says Peruvanam

Thrissur: Renowned percussionist Padmasree Peruvanam Kuttan Marar has said that he wholeheartedly accepts the decision of Paramekkavu Devaswom to shift him from the role of Mela Pramani for the popular Ilanjithara Melam of Thrissur Pooram.
He said he appreciated the decision to give opportunities to newer artists in the Pooram festival. “My conscience tells me that it is time for me to retire.I have been performing since my health is alright and the organisers and percussion enthusiasts were demanding. But it is important to give opportunities to newer people,’’ Marar told the media.
Asked about the reports that he tried to position his son in the front row during the percussion concert at the recent Paramekkavu vela festival, he said: “That was only due to some communication gaps. I was not aware of the details in the list of players given by the devaswom.”
He said he felt blessed by Paramekkavu Devi by allowing him to be the Pramani of Ilanjithara Melam. “I’m also thankful to the devaswom for its support during the past 24 years. I will continue to be associated with Thrissur Pooram as an organiser and spectator.”
Meanwhile, the renowned percussionist Kizhakott Aniyan Marar said he felt blessed for having been selected to lead the Ilanjithara Melam which is a percussion ensemble being watched by Melam connoisseurs all over the world.