The stunning strikes, kicks and the awe-inspiring body contortions and choreographed sparring of Kalaripayattu, the celebrated martial art of Kerala, are receiving 'genuine fanfare' from European audiences. S.K. Rajesh Gurukkal, chief of a six-men Kalari squad from Kozhikode, which is part of an ongoing ‘Incredible India' European tour, told The Hindu that the martial art is proving a real stunner in the West. Gurukkal, who is back home on a week's break from the show, which finished its German itinerary last week and was readying to move on to the next destination, Austria, said the tour was a year-long event in collaboration with the Prime Time Entertainment group.
The 82-member team of artistes selected from different States of India first landed in Germany in October and finished three months' rehearsals and "creation works" before they launched the show in Frankfurt in January. Other than Gurukkal and his five disciples there are also six others from Kerala with different dance forms to perform as part of the show.
The two-hour theme-based show, which is meant to give a feel of the incredible variety of Indian culture and art forms to a European audience, comprises Bollywood dances, music, magic and shadow play. "Kalaripayattu has a rare appeal to the audience there," Gurukkal said. He had received several enquiries from the Europeans seeking to learn the art and perform elsewhere after the show.
Gurukkal, who has worked as Kalari fight-director for nearly 20 films in different south Indian movies, is the chief of one of the leading Kalari groups in Malabar, Bhargava Kalari Sangham.
He said that his blindfold fighting with two men won him the most admiration from the Europeans during the show. "It's hard to perform, but a real sensation on stage," he said. The accomplished fighter, who found the European exposure "quite handy to learn a lot of new things" also shared some of the interesting experiences he had in Europe. He said the German authorities did not allow his team to use even a single item of Kalari weaponry of more than 200 kg, including sword, shield and spear, which they had shipped from India for the show. Instead, they insisted on making "stronger and smarter" versions of all the weapons by experts there. "Our weapons did not meet their safety standards," said Gurkkal who was quite impressed by the gesture.
After Austria, the "incredible" Indian squad would move towards London by April.
Jabir Mushthari
Source: The Hindu, online edition
Wednesday, Feb 24, 2010
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