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Tamil Nadu
Palani. 
His interest in physical activities such as acrobatics and martial arts led him to theatre. Over the years, theatre and Therukoothu artist M.Palani has picked up an amazing range of skills and art forms. From aerial acrobatics to Kalari and Bharatanatyam to Silambam, he has been employing varied skills to hold the interest of the audience. Palani, grandson of the doyen of Therukoothu, Kannappa Thambiran, is currently working with danseuse Anita Ratnam on a dance drama. Deepa H Ramakrishnan met him to find out what drives him. Like his accidental entry into theatre, Palani donning the role of Cobweb in Tim Supple’s production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ too happened by chance. “I had attended the audition but at that time Tim said I was too late and all the roles had been taken. Later when I was called to teach aerial acrobatics to the troupe members I also took part in the improvisation sessions and gave tips on Kalari. It was then that Tim asked me to do the pa rt of Cobweb,” says Palani, who also ended up choreographing the acrobatics, folk dance and a martial arts sequence in the play. Theatrical journeyBorn in a family of Therukoothu artists, his theatrical journey started soon after he completed schooling. Acting, however, had not been a passion when he entered the Koothu-p-pattarai Theatre Company. “My brother and uncle used to be actors there and my free time would be spent watching them and other artists at work. Seeing my interest in physical fitness and activities I was asked to join the group. If they had asked me to act, perhaps I would not have stayed on,” he said. Palani, who has played the parts of Ghatotkacha, Krishna, Ravana and Sanjayan in plays and koothus, is thankful for the exposure and teachings that playwright Na. Muthuswamy has given him. “Today if my outlook on things has broadened it is because of him. He would use me to translate the movements in his mind thereby teaching me new ways to use my body. He would tell us about a lot of things from dance, theatre and literature.” Working in Anita Ratnam’s dance dramas such as Athirohana, Anthari, Gajanana and Utpala deepened his interest in dance. “In the beginning, I joined her group as only a martial arts expert and actor. I learnt Bharathanatyam for over three years after I did a couple of productions.” Though he has been in theatre since 1993 and acted in director K.Balachander’s film ‘Poi’ and done a couple of ad films, his first love remains Therukoothu. “I want to be able to balance koothu and theatre. If koothu thrives today it is because of the fan following in the villages. I want to go back to the basics and enjoy its vibrancy, to be able to look into the audience’s eyes and tell them their favourite tales.”
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