KOCHI: With the sad demise of Rama Varma Kunjikuttan Thampuran on Monday morning, we have lost a connoisseur of art who loved almost all the classical art forms of Kerala. Though kathakali was dear to his heart, Thampuran also loved films and even serials. He did myriad roles in films and serials but viewers hardly knew his background or family history.
In more than 100 films Thampuran appeared as a companion of senior artists like Mohanlal, Nedumudi Venu and other well-known actors. One will always remember his performances in films like Kalyana Raman, Pai Brothers, Pavithram, Kaliyoonjal and Manichithrathaazhu.
Thampuran had also acted in an English film, Cotton Mary, directed by Ismail Merchant under the banner of Merchant Ivory Productions.
In a documentary by Doordarshan to create awareness among the public on the need to keep the surroundings clean, Thampuran had done the central character.
These films, serials and documentaries show his down-to-earth nature and in-depth knowledge of classic art forms like kathakali and koodiyattom and traditional temple music like melam and sopana sangeetham. Thampuran maintained an intimate relationship with all kathakali artists.
Unlike other connoisseurs of kathakali who left the ‘arangu’ soon after the performance, Thampuran used to spend hours with the artists to update his knowledge on the art form.
Just because of the presence of this ardent lover of sopana sangeetham, music buffs of Tripunithura could enjoy the musical moments presented by Njaralathu Rama Pothuval in 1989. When Thampuran asked him to sing the famous composition of Irayimman Thampi starting with ‘Karuna Cheyvaan Enthu Thaamasam…’ the maestro presented the same in sopana sampradayam.
As a founder-member of the Tripunithura Kathakali Kendram, Thampuran played a pivotal role in presenting the Guru Sangamam through the staging of Kuchela Vrutham Kathakali in 2005. Using his in-depth knowledge in classical art forms and close relationship with great maestros like Mani Madhava Chakyar, Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar, Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair and others, Thampuran penned a book titled ‘Aalukal Arangukal’, which unveiled the hidden potential of these artists.
Thampuran was a sharp critic of these art forms, too. When an artist tried to deviate from the classical style, Thampuran strongly criticised the move. His craze for akshara shlokam inspired Thampuran to join the company of elders and make instant poems at various akshara shloka sadassus. Thampuran never missed an opportunity to enjoy thayambaka, melam and other traditional temple orchestration. His demise has created a void in the cultural scene of Kerala.
kochi@expressbuzz.com