Kottakkal Sivaraman redefined the female role in Kathakali

In his 60-year-long career, Kottakkal Sivaraman claimed a rightful place for the female characters in Kathakali. The thespian’s death anniversary was on July 19

He had no formal disciples but every Kathakali actor in a female role emulated, nay imitated, him. He was not fastidious about his facial makeup but once on stage, all eyes were fixed on him. His mudras were often incomplete but he was most expressive. He is Kottakkal Sivaraman, the man who redefined female roles in Kathakali’s modern era. In every art form, there come once in a way path-breakers who create a lasting legacy. It is important for the artistes and connoisseurs to periodically evaluate their impact and analyse their contributions. Sivaraman, whose death anniversary was on July 19, is one such artist. It is a testimony to his legacy that for many viewers even today, 11 years after his death at the age of 74, Sivaraman remains the touchstone to evaluate performances.