MOHINIYATTAM - CHOLKETTU By Krishnakuamr P N

"About the Dance" CHOLKETTU Literally means an assembly of verbal syllables; in a specific sequence.The initial phase of this item has verbal syllables, the chollu or jathi set to a chosen rhythmic scale. The danseuse adopts slow undulating body movements,footwork and dance gestures,to visualise the vocal rendering.The concluding part of the Cholkettu has a lyrical component.In this cholkettu the Goddess Saraswati,the Goddess of wisdom is being invoked.This cholkettu is set to Raga Tala Maalika. "About the performer" Krishnakumar is one of the few men to learn Mohiniyattam and the only one to don a woman's costume on stage. Krishnakumar, an MCA graduate hailing from Irinjalakuda, was a disciple of Guru.Kalamandalam Kshemavathy for many years.He is perfectly at ease portraying women and in presenting their mindscape with a sensitivity that is truly remarkable.Grace and lasya are a part of his dance style. Krishnakumar got "Nalanda Nritya Nipuna" Award in Mohiniyattam from Nalanda Dance Research Centre, Mumbai in 2008. Krishnakumar is an empanelled artiste of Indian Council For Cultural Relations (ICCR), Delhi in Mohiniyattam solo.Besides, he is a B grade artiste in Mohiniyattam from Doordarshan Kendra, Thiruvananthapuram. He has performed Mohiniyattam at various prestigious Dance Festivals like Soorya Festival - Thiruvnanthapurm, Mudra Dance Festival -- Thiruvnanthapurm, Indradhanush Dance Festival -- Delhi, Natarani Dance Festival at Darpana Academy -- Ahamadabad, Bharat Kalachar -- Chennai,etc. Original Video Courtesy, Dooradarshan (DD Malayalam)