With mom's blessing, 74-year-old makes kathakali debut

MURALEEDHARAN Pillai was 69 when he began practicing padayani in 2019. In less than four years, at 72, he performed his arangettam in the ritualistic dance form at the Thazhoor Bhagavathi Temple, Vazhamuttom, in Vallicode in 2023.

- JAISON WILSON @Pathanamthitta

MURALEEDHARAN Pillai was 69 when he began practicing padayani in 2019. In less than four years, at 72, he performed his arangettam in the ritualistic dance form at the Thazhoor Bhagavathi Temple, Vazhamuttom, in Vallicode in 2023. And now, the septuagenarian's unwavering dedication to traditional art forms has culminated in his arangettam, or debut performance, in kathakali at 74.

Adding to the emotional significance of the event, Muraleedharan received blessings from his 100-year-old mother, Lakshmikuttyamma, before stepping onto the stage.