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MAKEOVER men
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Adapting to the changing times, make-up artistes have learnt to survive in a world where their art no longer commands a premium, says M. ALLIRAJAN
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LENDING DIVINITY: A make-up artiste at work. Pics: K. Ananthan
THEY CHANGE the identities of people, briefly.
They don't want to alter theirs, but the changing times are forcing them to look at other related avenues. Welcome to the world of make-up artistes.
Gone are the days when rose powder, glittering costumes, kreedams, swords and wardrobes of historical and mythological figures were the order.
The thriving drama industry saw these artistes stocking costumes by the dozen in cramped rooms. Today, kids, accompanied by their parents, trickle in hoping to find something for the fancy dress competition at school.
These creators reside in and around McGregor Road in R. S. Puram, a little away from the bustling flower market.
One can find make-up centres on the main road and in the narrow lanes and bylanes. Even the residences of these artistes have been converted into make-up centres.
Despite the tough times, they have managed to stay afloat. "The business was prospering 20 years ago because a lot of dramas were staged," says M. Babu, who owns Thirumurugan Costumes and Decorators.
"Things were a lot different then. The nadaga mandrams in colleges staged at least 30 plays a year. Now, there is no place for drama even in college annual day functions," Babu laments. "Music, dance and variety entertainment have taken centre stage in colleges these days."
Schools offer the only hope for these artistes. However, the demand is seasonal. "We get a lot of offers from schools during December-April. This is the time when schools organise fancy dress competitions," Babu explains.
"Even students of schools from neighbouring districts come to us for make-up." These orders notwithstanding, the men remain jobless for 10 days a month for most of the year.
Besides make-up, the artistes rent out wigs and costumes and provide screen settings and stage arrangements. Many, however, do the job on a part-time basis. Only those who own make-up centres are full-time professionals. "Most make-up men are engaged in other vocations. If we need their assistance we just call them," says Babu.
Though they grow nostalgic about the good old days, all was not hunky-dory then. Artistes had to produce all make-up material on their own. And, using brushes for make-up was unknown then. The eyebrows were applied using finely cut sticks.
Babu's father, "Kovai" Manickam, was among the first to learn the nuances of what was then a fledgling profession in the city. "My father went to Mumbai to study the latest techniques," Babu recalls.
Even the word "make-up" is new.
"It used to be called aridhaaram. Remember the famous line "aridhaaram poosiavar arasiyalukku varalama", which created quite a stir in Tamil Nadu politics in the 70's?" he asks.
What is aridhaaram? It is actually a combination of muthu vellai and sendhooram. It is no longer used in make-up.
"Earlier it was tough. Now, we have readymade make-up sets, costumes and powders, which have made our job much easier," says N Ramasamy, a veteran make-up man and proprietor of Saraswathi Alagu Nilayam.
Though there has been a downturn in fortunes, the second generation has not let gone of the family trade. Babu and Ramasamy's son Sekar have followed the footsteps of their fathers.
"Earlier, there were about 250 make-up men in the city. Only 30 are engaged in the profession now. Many opted out due to lack of opportunities," says A. Radhakrishnan, a retired teacher, who now pursues make-up as a full-time profession.
"If social organisations and colleges start encouraging drama, a revival is possible," he feels.
Why are they concentrated in and around R. S Puram?
"People are accustomed to this place. They don't know any other area. Moreover, dramas were frequently staged at the Corporation Kalaiarangam and the Purandaradasar Hall. As we were nearby, it was convenient for the drama artistes."
How different is their job now? Have the basics changed?
"For drama, the make-up should be heavy. This is because even those who are seated 30 feet from the stage should be able to notice the expressions of the artistes. But, that is not preferred now. They think it is a whitewash," Babu states.
They have to be quick too. "Irrespective of the character, we take 15 minutes to put the make-up," Radhakrishnan adds. The dwindling opportunities have made them look out for other earning avenues.
Some of them have learnt to put their talents to good use in related fields. So, Babu's wife dons the role of a beautician and beautifies brides.
Pics: K. Ananthan
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