Meet Kathakali’s all-rounder Sadanam Krishnankutty

The artiste, who recently turned 80, looks back on his journey

Donning the pivotal role of Narakasura, Sadanam Krishnankutty ridicules Indra, the lord of heaven, who is cursed to have a thousand eyes all over his body for his lecherous ways. . Narakasura defeats his enemy, Indra, and goes on to loot swarga. The mudra-driven narrative, devoid of background vocals, has the loud chenda-maddalam sound building up the mood of vengeance. The two-hour episode that begins at an extremely slow pace, picks up energy and momentum through the course of the hilarious story. At no point of the strenuous performance would Krishnankutty appear tired.

For the artiste, who just turned 80, Narakasura continues to be a masterpiece role, as if symbolising a career built in the spirit of conquest. Age has not diminished his enthusiasm or stamina, making him an inspiration for young actors.

Krishnankutty is among the best all-rounders in the history of the 400-year-old dance-theatre of Kerala. Be it the virtuous protagonist in the paccha make-up, the ruffian katthi with stylised moustache, the red-hued villain wearing a massive headgear, the witty Hanuman in white beard, a dark-painted demoness or a pretty woman, the master performs each character with consummate ease.