The scene from the 1993 movie, Devasuram—of a man playing the idakka (picturised on Oduvil Unnikrishnan), standing at the entrance of a house—is still strong in our minds. The music, considered a masterpiece among the music fraternity, was a rendition by Tripunithura Krishnadas and made him a popular name in the Malayalam film industry. To celebrate Krishnadas’ 50 years as an idakka artiste, the Tripunithura citizen forum committee is organising a two-day festival this weekend. Besides a line-up of events, the artiste—who has played the idakka in over 3,000 songs and 60 films, including Kamaladalam, Kalyanaraman and Urumi—will also be presented a gold locket.
Beat of drums
The 60-year-old, who has trained in almost all the traditional percussion instruments, including the chenda, says “I’ve been fascinated with the idakka since I was five and began my journey with my uncle, the late Ramamangalam Rama Marar.” A recipient of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy award (1992) for best idakka artist, he has played a significant role in making the instrument popular—by adapting it to genres like rock, jazz and pop—and also performing on stage with indie bands, like the city-based Atma and The Banned from Chennai. Currently, he is the honorary principal of Kalasaudham, a school that teaches traditional forms of art.
On the schedule
At the two-day festival, don’t miss the exhibition of musical instruments used by the royal family of Tripunitura (over 25 instruments like Kudukka veena, Kidumidi, Thoppimaddalam and Pulluvar kudam owned by Tripunitura Aniyan Thamburan, dating back to the 1890s). There will also be a classical fusion of modern and traditional music led by the music troupe, Resonating Raaga, a Mohiniyattam performance by Padmasree Kalamandalam Kshemavathy and, on the second day, actor Jayaram will inaugurate an idakka demonstration (at 11 am), among others.
May 23-24, from 10 am onwards. Details: 9847377837