Kathakali, a language of gesture, originating from the state of Kerala in the 17th century, is truly an extra ordinary theatre form performed in the temple vicinity.
This colourful presentation, a katha(story) through kali(actions) , based on themes from Hindu mythology mainly the Ramayana and Mahabaratha, is a performance in which the audience indulge themselves from late evening till the breaking of dawn.
As the years go by, this tradition is losing its value. This great art form has been humiliated and mocked through advertisements. Recently a TV commercial showed a Kathakali actor complete in costume and make up, offering a soft drink to a girl on the road and dancing to a mixture of fast beat music from an audio system including even rock and roll. This is an insult to the hundreds of Kathakali actors and a great disappointment to the thousands of tourists who come to watch the auspicious performance.
Don’t let this be just another source of fun. This ad has not just pulled us down but also showed how illiterate the modern day ad makers can be. Its upto the youth of the day to save our heritage and not let it sink into the swamp of sheer entertainment.
