ATTINGAL: Arjun Subramanian, in his last district school arts festival, stood victorious on Friday after bagging five first prizes.
The Plus-II student of Jyothi Nilayam HSS, Kazhakkootam, thanked his father and guru Kalamandalam Balasubramanian for training him Kathakali for the past 15 years.
Arjun has bagged first prizes in Kathakali (single performance), Kathakali (group performance), Kathakali Sangeetham, Ottanthullal and Maddhala Keli. Arjun has also started training ‘Bharathanatyam’ under his father.
Arjun was emotional to part with the arts festival platform. “I have been regular in attending the school arts festival conducted every year.
Though I will complete Plus-II this year, I feel sad to part with my school days which gave me opportunities till now,” he said.
During last year’s Schools State Youth Festival Arjun secured first prize in Kathakali.
“We expect a tough competition in Kozhikode and hope to retain the first position in Kathakali competition this year as well,” said Balasubramanian.
Meanwhile, it was another proud moment for Arjun when his student in Kathakali, Ashwin D S of high school section in Jyothi Nilayam HSS bagged first prize in Ottanthullal and second prize for Kathakali in the district school arts festival. Initially Ashwin was trained by Balasubramanian. However, when Arjun became proficient in the art form, Balasubramanian allowed Arjun to train Ashwin.
Arjun has also been performing at temple festivals for the last many years.