Maestro’s portrayal
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Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharody graced the stage as Bahuka. V. Kaladharan
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Poised: Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharody.
Kathakali thespian Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharody, who had remained away from the stage for nearly three years, donned the greasepaint again to enact Dakshan in a Kathakali performance that was staged at Thirmandhamkunnu Temple, Kongad.
On May 14, he enacted Bahuka in ‘Nalacharitam’ Part IV at Melpathoor Auditorium. Vasu Pisharody is one of the few actors of his and subsequent generations who can competently take up both the Pacha (heroic) and the Kathi (anti-hero) characters in Kathakali.
His characterisation of Bahuka in Nalacharitam Part III and IV carries traits of the poetic metaphors employed by his guru, Vazhenkada Kunju Nair.
This was evident once again at the Melpathur Auditorium where Pisharody empathised with the sentiments of Bahuka who, by fate, became the charioteer of king Rithuparna.
Although the actor seemed a little uneasy in the beginning, he gained in confidence as the scene progressed. The manodharmam was neat and well codified.
“I had come to this palace before as a king for the swayamvaram of Damayanthi. This time too I have come here for the swayamvaram of the same princess, not as king, but as the charioteer of another king (referring to Rithuparna). I see shrivelled flowers on the chariot. When will a flower bloom for me?” The last sentence in the soliloquy seemed to capture the actor’s feeling of despondency and hope.
Dignified interpretation
With emotional temperance and a dignity defying hype and naivety, Vasu Pisharody’s Bahuka enthralled the rasikas.
“It was a liberation for me from the confines of a room where I have been convalescing for an unusually long duration. Vaidyamadhom has advised me to perform on stage for ensuring flexibility of the muscles and for the agility of the mind.”
It was a day to rejoice for fans of Kathakali as they celebrated the return of the maestro who has provided an unsullied poise and discipline to the Nayakas and the Prathinayakas.
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