Roshni Pillai

Kathakali

Roshni Pillai performs the role of “Urvashi” from the Kathakali play, “Kalakeyavadham”. Credits: Biju Thekkumpat

Roshni Pillai of San Jose, began her journey in Kathakali at the age of 7, under the guidance of the esteemed Sri. Late Kalamandalam K Gopalakrishnan. Her training continued with Sri. Kalamandalam Keshavan Namboothiri and she is presently mentored by Sri. Kottakkal Harikumar. As a Kathakali practitioner for over 25 years, Roshni has garnered many awards and regularly shares the stage with renowned Kathakali artists in Kerala, the USA, and abroad. While balancing her profession as a design engineer, she continues her pursuit of Kathakali, aiming to introduce and make this ancient classical art form accessible to new audiences. 

Roshni’s Instagram


Apprenticeship Program

2024

Kathakali Dance with apprentice Janhavi Pillai

Janhavi will work with her mentor, also her mother, to deeply explore the complex dialogue and emotional range of the character to portray her effectively on stage. Janhavi’s apprenticeship will deepen her understanding of Kathakali, focusing on mastering the extensive vocabulary of communicative hand gestures and learning advanced ‘Kalaasam’ (concluding pure dance patterns). She will then focus on learning the ‘Sthree Vesham’ (female role) character of Lalitha from the Kathakali play, “Kirmeeravadham”.

Janhavi’s Instagram

 

 

 

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Announcing the 2024 Taproot Fellows!