KOCHI: The tragic incident when kathakali artist FACT Bhaskaran collapsed on stage at the Pallickathode temple in Kottayam in 2001 would have been the end of his illustrious career, but thanks to his mental strength and dedication to the art it wasn’t so.
He rose like a phoenix and put up a magnificent performance during his 60th birthday celebration, after remaining bedridden for about nine years.
In the presence of thousands of people, including renowned kathakali artists, disciples and well wishers, FACT Bhaskaran presented the legendary Kuchela in Kuchelavritham at the Siva temple auditorium in Muppathadam near here the other day. Padmanabhan, Bhaskaran’s intimate friend and one-time colleague, performed the role of Krishna symbolising the love between Kuchela and Krishna.
Prahlada Charitham was also performed in this connection.
Some of Bhaskaran’s disciples offered their dhakshina by appearing before their beloved master with a memorable performance during this occasion.
Bhaskaran, who has performed in India as well as in foreign countries like South America, Spain, London, Italy and Paris, started learning the art under Guru Kunjikannan Marar at the age of eight. He was also trained under Kalamandalam Karunakaran, Kudamaloor Karunakaran Nair and Vazhengad Vijayan.
He has performed ‘veshams’ such as the pachha, kathhi and minukku, among others. Famous artists like FACT Mohanan, FACT Jayadeva Varma, FACT Maheswaran, FACT Murali, FACT Sasi, FACT Bijukumar, FACT Radhakarishnan and RLV Sunilkumar were his disciples when Bhaskaran became the tutor in FACT School later.
Bhaskaran’s second stint as a kathakali artist was inaugurated by P Rajeev MP in a public meeting which was presided over by Kadungalloor panchayat president Rathnamma Suresh.
Kelikottu, kathakalipadham concert, Carnatic music concert, felicitation meeting, kathakali performances and erattamelapadham were also held on the occasion.
kochi@expressbuzz.com