Renjish Nair, an acclaimed Kathakali artiste and disciple of Kalashree Kalamandalam C. Gopalakrishnan, recently performed at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) earlier in June as part of ‘A Perspective – Drishtikon’, a series celebrating India’s classical dance forms.
Trained at Kalakshethram, Dombivli, and an A-grade Doordarshan artiste, Nair spoke to Swarna Srikanth during his Kathakali event in the city.
He reflected on he art form's deep-rooted traditions, its male-dominated history, and the essential role of makeup, costume, and grooming in preserving its true essence. Nair also shared a key lesson from his guru: “Bring your own uniqueness to the art—don’t just imitate.”
Excerpts from the interview:
Tell us in brief about your performance at NCPA, Mumbai.
It was an insightful introduction to the rich history and evolution of Kathakali, tracing its origins and cultural significance. The discussion further explored the Chatur Vidha Abhinaya — Angika, Vachika, Aharya, and Sattvika — and their vital role in shaping a complete performance. Together, these elements weave into a powerful and expressive storytelling tradition, making Kathakali a truly magnificent art form on stage.
The session was a lecture demonstration by the NCPA in collaboration with the Museum Society of Mumbai.
With Kantara's popularity, do you think more folk and classical art forms are gaining popularity?
Yes, Kantara has indeed opened a door for wider audiences to appreciate rooted, traditional art forms.
As a Kathakali artist, I see this as a positive shift—where stories deeply tied to culture, ritual, and native expression are being embraced with curiosity and respect. It offers hope that classical forms like Kathakali, with their layered storytelling and aesthetic depth, will find renewed relevance and space in contemporary cultural conversations. It's not just popularity—it’s a rediscovery of our heritage.
Do you see the art form as a tradition, also how it is evolving with time?
Kathakali is a classical dance-drama from Kerala, rooted in centuries-old temple traditions and storytelling practices. Known for its elaborate costumes, expressive abhinaya, and powerful narratives from the epics, it is a highly disciplined and stylized art form.
Over time, Kathakali has evolved, moving from temple courtyards to theatres and international stages. While staying true to its classical grammar, it has embraced modern lighting, shorter formats, and new themes to connect with contemporary audiences. This balance of tradition and innovation keeps Kathakali vibrant and relevant even today.
What do you want the audience to know about this dance form? How can they enjoy and appreciate it better?
Kathakali is not just a dance — it's a powerful visual storytelling tradition that combines intricate expressions, stylized movements, vibrant costumes, and live music. Rooted in mythology and classical literature, it brings characters and emotions to life with great intensity and precision.
To truly enjoy and appreciate Kathakali, audiences can focus on the facial expressions (abhinaya), the mudras (hand gestures), and the interplay between the music and movement. A little context about the story being performed can also greatly enhance the experience.
Watching with an open mind and heart allows one to connect deeply with the timeless beauty and emotional depth of this classical art form.
We would like to know one of your unforgettable memories with your guru.
My Guru, Kalashree Kalamandalam C. Gopalakrishnan, is a guiding force in my Kathakali journey. His deep knowledge, discipline, and passion for the art form continue to inspire generations.
One unforgettable memory is witnessing his demonstration and in-depth knowledge of Sattvika Abhinaya it was so powerful and emotionally moving. His ability to make the character come alive without a word remains one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned.
You have teamed up with notable artists, who is your role model?
My greatest inspiration in the field of Kathakali has been Late Padmabhushan Dr. Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair. His precision, depth of expression, and dedication to the art form left a lasting impact on me. His inspiring words have always kept the fire in me going ahead.
A Kathakali performance that you will never forget in your life.
One of the most unforgettable milestones in my Kathakali journey was performing at the Khajuraho Festival in 2000 in the play Lavanasuravadham, alongside the legendary Late Padmabhushan Dr. Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair, who portrayed Hanuman with unmatched brilliance. Sharing the stage with him in such a prestigious setting was both humbling and inspiring. His powerful presence and nuanced abhinaya left a deep impact on me, making it a memory I will cherish for a lifetime.
What is the one important advice of your guru you always follow and want to share with youngsters?
One important advice my Guru always gave us is: “Bring your own uniqueness to the art—do not just imitate others.” He encouraged us to understand the tradition deeply, but also to let our individuality shine through our performance.
To youngsters passionate about Kathakali, this message is powerful—learn with devotion but express with honesty. The art lives and grows through your original touch, not by being a copy of someone else.
While it's said the younger generation is spending time on screens than on stage, do you see children taking up Kathakali?
While it's true that today's younger generation is drawn to gadgets and screens, I do see a growing interest among some children in embracing dance and learning Kathakali. Young minds are showing curiosity and dedication toward this classical art form. Also, it's heartening to see them keep up with the discipline and beauty of Kathakali, proving that tradition can still find its place in the modern world.
Your word for budding Kathakali performers.
For those starting their Kathakali journey, my advice is: be patient, stay disciplined, and respect the tradition. Focus on building a strong foundation through regular practice and learning from the right gurus.
Whether Kathakali should be a hobby or a career truly depends on individual passion and personal goals. Some may pursue it alongside other professions, while others may dedicate their lives to it. Both paths are valid, as long as the commitment to the art remains sincere.
How significant is the makeup, dressing, and overall grooming for this art form? Will Kathakali lose its charm and grace without these, or is dance alone enough?
In Kathakali, makeup, costume, and overall grooming are not just decorative; they are integral to the storytelling. Each colour, ornament, and facial design represents a character's nature, helping the audience immediately identify heroes, villains, and divine beings.
While the dance and abhinaya are the soul of Kathakali, its visual grandeur adds to the magic. Without the traditional appearance, the impact of the performance would be incomplete. Kathakali is a holistic art form, where visual, emotional, and physical elements come together to create its timeless grace.
Discussing gender roles in Kathakali, how has it become more inclusive?
Traditionally, Kathakali has been a male-dominated art form, with even female roles performed by men. However, over time, more women have entered the field, both as performers and scholars, enriching the tradition with their presence.
While Kathakali largely features heroic and mythological male characters, there are powerful portrayals of womanhood too; like Draupadi, Damayanti and so on; that reflect strength, grace, and emotional depth. These roles, when performed with sensitivity, offer deep insights into the feminine spirit within the epic narratives.
The art form is slowly becoming more inclusive, and that is a welcome evolution.
As we celebrate Pride Month, how openly is the LGBTQIA+ community taking up Kathakali?
Kathakali, rooted in expression and transformation, holds space for all who are passionate and dedicated.
It's important to acknowledge that the art form remains open and welcoming. We look forward to the day when LGBTQIA++ artists bring their voices and stories into this rich classical tradition, adding new dimensions and perspectives to its timeless beauty.
