Jagannaatha Varma a consummate artist

TRIPUNITHURA: For actor Jagannaatha Varma, Kathakali and drumming was a passion that he never forgot to indulge in even till a few years ago.
Residents of Tripunithura recall that even in the midst of his busy official schedule in the state police department and acting, Varma was always ready to enact a role in Kathakali or be a part of a chenda melam.
Verma (77) passed away at a private hospital in the state capital on Wednesday . “It was in August, 1990, soon after the demise of Kathakali stalwart Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair, Jagannaatha Varma donned the character, Dakshan in Daksha Yaagam Kathakali,“ recalled R V Sasikumar of Tripunithura Kathakali Kendram.
Varma played the full length role of Dakshan in the first act of Daksha Yaagam Kathakali.
“He used to say that though movies had given him enough variety of characters with entirely different mannerisms, it was the `Manayola' (grease meant for Kathakali) that made him transform into Arjuna, Nala or Daksha that gave him real bliss,'' he said.
“Besides Kathakali, Varma was much attracted by chenda. It was nothing but his ardent love and affection towards chenda, which enabled him to present his Thayambaka debut at the age of 74, with a vibrant enthusiastic performance showcasing the flexibility of wrist and strong rhythmic beats,'' he added.