KOCHI: Chakyar Koothu is one of those rare art forms from the traditional Sanskrit theatre which exists today. One of the names synonymous with Koothu is that of Kalamandalam Rama Chakyar, who is an exponent of Koodiyattam and Koothu.
Painkulam Rama Chakyar, alias Kalamandalam Rama Chakyar, is most known for his fierce dedication to the art. His uncle, one of the maestros of the art form, was known for his boldness in bringing the art out of the temple precincts. After mastering the technical and traditional sides of Chakyar Koothu and Koodiyattam, Rama Chakayar is one who can handle both the art forms with ease.
Koothu and Koodiyattam run in his blood. Hailing from Painkulam village, Thrissur, Rama Chakyar comes from a family that has an interesting lineage of Chakyars. He is the grand nephew of the legendary Painkulam Rama Chakyar. His father Ammanoor Parameswara Chakyar too was well-known for his knowledge of Karmadeepikas and Aatta Prakaram. Over the years he established himself as a leading performer and the most sought-after teacher of Koodiyattam. “ It was I who first trained a student for the youth festival here. Unlike how these students are trained nowadays, I used to take plenty of days to train the students with perfection. I am disappointed that this art form has lost its sheen in a bid to make it a competition item,” he says.
He took the art forms to various international platforms and major festivals in and outside the country. Rama Chakyar received critical acclaim for his role of Vidushaka and Athreya.
To him, “the entry into this particular field of art is not something that happened out of twist of fate.” This, he says, comes with being part of his community.
Learning the art form is part of their 'kulathozhil.' He is one of those few who have dedicated their lives to the growth of this art form not just in India alone. “I teach Koodiyattom abroad. It is difficult,to teach them Sanskrit slokas. But they quickly and efficiently perfect what is taught to them. I even have a French student who visits me exclusively to show me her thesis on Koodiyattom.”
He is without doubt an artist who has an unparalleled presence in the cultural events and temple festivals not just within Kerala but also internationally. Adding to his achievements as an artist who is instrumental in taking Chakyar Koothu to world standards, he was honoured by the Kerala Sangeetha Natak Akademi for his contributions to this art form. He also received the Kalamandalam Award earlier in his career. Rama Chakyar is one of the few Chakyars who has complete knowledge about all the stories of Koodiyattam and Koothu which are prevalent today.
Rama Chakyar was in Kozhikode recently to perform Hanumad-Ravana Samvadam organised by Navarasam and Chavara Cultural Centre. “It is a pleasure to perform in Kozhikode. There is always a pretty good crowd, especially from the Thali temple side,” he says.