Gurus and mentors: Artistes recall the teachers who shaped their art

On the occasion of Teachers' Day, several artistes from Kerala reflected on the mentors who shaped their artistic journeys, offering a glimpse into the deep, personal bonds that often define traditional learning.

Mohiniyattam dancer Vinitha Nedungadi spoke about her long association with Kalamandalam Kshemavathy, whom she approached in her early twenties after realising that dance was more than just physical movement. Nedungadi, who travelled from Palakkad to Thrissur for lessons over 12 years, described her guru's calming influence and rare ability to treat students as equals. She noted that Kshemavathy never spoke ill of anyone and never imposed her views, qualities that Nedungadi deeply admires. Recently, on Vijayadashami, she resumed learning a new piece under her guru.

Kathakali artiste Kalamandalam Athul, who has trained under around 17 teachers over two decades, singled out Kalamandalam Soman and Kalamandalam Gopi for their lasting impact. He recalled how Soman asan's classes, filled with stories and anecdotes, never felt long enough. Gopi asan, known for his stern stage presence, was approachable and friendly in the classroom, correcting mistakes with a personal touch. Athul, now a teacher at Margi in Thiruvananthapuram, acknowledged that his own experience has made him appreciate the strictness of his former mentors.

Artist Gireesan Bhattathiripad credited his guru, Ganapathi Namboodiri, for lessons that went far beyond drawing. Under a gurukula system, students ran errands and tended to the garden, which Bhattathiripad now sees as training in adaptability and resilience. Namboodiri's unconventional teaching included having students complete his own sketches, a task that built confidence rather than fear. He also connected his students to nature, laying the foundation for their understanding of 2D rendering. In honour of his guru, Bhattathiripad and fellow students conduct free art classes for children in Peringode.

Singer Mithun Jayaraj distinguished a guru from a mere teacher, describing the former as a nurturing, lifelong relationship. He listed several mentors, including composer V Dakshinamoorthy, whose disciple he became in Class VIII and remained until the veteran musician's death in 2013. Dakshinamoorthy taught him the nuances of manodharmam, or improvisation, and became a father figure. Jayaraj named both his daughter and his band, formed with his wife Indu Prasad, 'Dakshina' as a tribute to his guru.