Margi Madhu was in Hyderabad for a ‘Chakyar Koothu’ performance as a part of the golden jubilee celebrations of Naveena Samskarika Kala Kendram. As he started narrating the concept of ‘Chakyar Koothu’ it was clear that this art form which was also mentioned in the ancient ‘Natyashastra’ is closest to what happens today as modern stand-up comedy.
Says Margi Madhu, “Koothu was originally an art of narrating stories in Sanskrit or Malayalam language relating to Ramayana and Mahabharata. Then over a period of time it became an extensive extempore narration which would have ‘spoofs’ on the modern day-to-day social and political happenings around us.
The main idea is however, to dwell into the depth of literature and provide an insight into the language. This art form comes from the training that one gets in the dance form of Kutiyattam.
“Basically, it’s all about the mind and body coming together. As the narrator keeps improvising upon his dialogues, one has to be thinking consciously and sub consciously to immediately portray the required ‘act’ on stage. I have been to Hyderabad on many occasions but found very little time to explore the city. I have fond memories of the hustle-bustle in the Charminar area which can provide lot of shopping opportunities for any visitor.”
Margi Madhu has a passionate advice for the young generation: “Love the art and practice it passionately. It will give tremendous satisfaction and an undefined joy in life.”
— The writer is a musician, creator of ‘Jaywant Guitar’ and a freelance
photographer
