Kalamandalam Gopi Aashan- A Kathakali Maestro

Padmashree Kalamandalam Gopi, known as "Gopi Aashan", is a highly acclaimed and popular figure with a legendary stature in Kathakali world; also regarded as among the very finest of Kathakali artistes- one of those rare talents that come up in generations.

I first watched him perform live at Kottakkal in April this year. The play was NalaCharitam-[1st day]..  (More on the story: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Profpcm            Nalacharitham is considered the most romantic work of art constructed on the classical basement of Kathakali.)

While watching him doing 'chutti'(in the green room), with his body language and slow and slightly laboured movements when getting ready, he really looked his age of 73.

But I could not believe my eyes when I saw him perform on stage with grace and vigour, a rare intensity and energy that was very unique and palpable(even without knowing the nuances of the art), that has to be experienced and can't be explained- May be because I don't know much about it. But then, being able to connect with such audience is considered a great talent in itself!

 He was performing for 3 hours that way at a stretch!!. I shook my head in disbelief, that it is the same man I saw backstage!.

Ever since the topic of Kathakali came up in conversations, I've been talking excitedly about the unbelievable transformation of the artiste when he reaches the stage;)

Something quite interesting that I noticed in the documentary (please see below) about Gopi aashan by acclaimed director Adoor Gopalakrishnan  :

He was talking about training as a boy at Kalamandalam, going through the rigours.. The extremely tough regimen at times making him want to runaway, or even "kill himself"..

(But now  regarded as an ultimate performer of the art and having performed around the world), In the end, he says he doesn't have much ambitions, but wish to die performing on stage!!

I bow my head in respect to such souls. May he enthrall many an audience more..

(He has been in UK from September this year, giving 50 performances around the country till end of November, including one in central London next week.)

A documentary on Kalamandalam Gopi by Adoor :

(40min film uploaded as 6 parts.. You can watch it on youtube by clicking on the youtube logo.

the next part can be seen on right on youtube page as you open each part. 

Unfortunately, the uploaded video quality is not good/clear enough to appreciate the expressions which are a major part)

About the film, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalamandalam_Gopi

World-famous filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan has made a documentary movie on the master. Titled Kalamandalam Gopi, the film won rave reviews across venues, and was shown at the International Film Festival of India in 2000 besides several prestigious festivals within India and the West and Far East. Incidentally, Gopi has also acted (without Kathakali make-up or costumes) in a couple of Malayalam feature films likeVanaprastham (directed by Shaji N. Karun) and Shantham (by Jayaraj).