Sometimes Kurichi Kunjan Panicker played different parts on the same night with equal success. On stage, as in real life, he was very humorous, improvising freestyle according to the quality of his audience. Unusually for Kathakali, spectators spontaneously applauded his acting. As Krishna in Duryodhana-vadham i.e. 'Slaying of Duryodhana', he entered in a car instead of a chariot. When asked why, he replied, 'People like you understand the importance of both the story and Kathakali, but most people who sit in front of me are ignorant of this art, its story and the technical aspects. As an actor I want them to enjoy it, so I did it that way.' Appearing as the mahout in Kamsavadham or 'Slaying of Kamsa' alongside Mankulam Vishnu Namboodiri as Krishna, he asked the singers to stop, and began acting drunk. His performance was so funny that those on stage i.e. Krishna, Balarama, Akrura, and others forgot their roles and started laughing. As Arjuna in Kalakeyavadham or 'Slaying of Kalakeya' and Rukmangada he excelled because of meaningful hand gestures appropriate to the verses, and rhythmic movements. He was very famous as Hanuman, and the Hamsa or swan in Nalacharitam i.e. 'Nala's Life'. His disciples include Mankulam Vishnu Namboodiri, Oyoor Kochugovinda Pillai, and Nattakam Velu Pillai. |