Does ‘uduthukettal’ in kathakali require artistic skills? Appunni Tharakan, an 84-year-old short lean man from Mangode near Vellinezhi in Malappuram district believes that in kathakali, those who work at ‘aniyara’(behind the curtains) are also artists. With more than 30 contestants to be dressed by him at the 53rd State School Arts Festival, this ‘uduthukettal’ expert also signs his presence for the 53rd time at the State School Arts Festival.
“Outfit has great significance in a kathakali performance. If ‘uduthukettal’ is not perfect, it will ruin the enjoyability of the performance. One requires utmost care and expertise to speedily conduct ‘uduthukettal’,” said Appunni Ettan, as he is fondly called. ‘Uduthukettal’ is all about fitting the folded, stiff cloths on the waist under the skirt which gives an umbrella appearance to the performer’s skirt. It will take at least half an hour for a single performer’s ‘uduthukettal’.
Appunni Tharakan kicked off his career which later took him to distant countries like Germany and Singapore, at a tender age of 14. ‘As a kid, I would often visit Olappamanna Mana, near to my house at Vellinezhi, where kathakali performances were regularly conducted. I got attracted by the work of ‘aniyara’ personnel and joined them. By the time I reached an age of 18, I had become an expert in ‘uduthukettal’. I have got opportunities to dress up many famous artistes. I have been dressing up participants in the State School Arts Festival ever since it began in 1953,” he said.
His knowledge in his work has taken him all over India along with indigenous and foreign kathakali artistes. At the age of 50, he became a regular staff at Kalamandalam and retired after a decade of service there. Having received acceptance from various corners, Appunni Tharakan has already handed over his space to his son Mohanan. Another son, Sivaraman, is a senior chutti artist at Kalamandalam.