A life committed to Kathakali comes with its set of challenges and stresses
| Photo Credit: KK Mustafah
The idea of Swaira Vachanam is hard to translate verbatim but it implies words of comfort or solace, it is the name of a mental health initiative to help Kathakali artistes and their families. “Kathakali artistes undergo immense stress, pressure and mental strain, all of which affects them, their lives and craft. This is an attempt to be there for artists who need help,” says Nisha Menon Chembakassery, a Kathakali aficionado with close ties with artistes and one of the people behind the endeavour. The others who are part of Swaira Vachanam are Akavoor Santhosh, a doctor at Kottakal Arya Vaidyasala; Archaa Gowri Varma, psychiatric social worker and Kathakali artist; Kalamandalam (Vaikom) Prashanth, Kathakali artiste, teacher at Kalakshetra and the State President of the Kathakali Artists’ Association, and Dr. Sanju Palassery, aficionado and a member of Kerala Health Services.Founded in December 2025, it aims to provide a support system for Kathakali artistes struggling with mental health issues. “We are driven by the belief that we are all part of the wider, broader Kathakali family, where we need to take care of each other. Sometimes all people need is a patient ear, an empathetic listener. And this is a non-judgemental space where we guard their confidentiality very fiercely, occasionally keeping the name/identity of the person who has sought our help even from other panel members,” adds Nisha. Archaa says that the mental health issues are usually loneliness or depression, in varying degrees of intensity. “There are some cases that only need handholding, and then there have been others that require medical intervention. In such cases, we recommend medical practitioners. We have seen improvement in cases where people have attended counselling and are feeling better.” Though it is a close knit community, knowing somebody is struggling doesn’t always mean knowing how to help or the kind of help they would need, she adds. Support systemAlthough formed six months ago, the recent passing of celebrated Kathakali artiste and teacher Kalamandalam Hari R Nair has been a shock to the close-knit community of Kathakali artistes. The renowned artiste’s death drove home the need for a support system for a profession which comes with its set of pressures that range from something as simple as anxiety before a performance to the wait for recognition. “His passing reminded us that there are many of us out there who need help. We maybe facing problems that make life challenging and some help would go a long way in making them feel better,” says Kalamandalam Prashanth. As the President of Kathakali Artistes’ Association, he knows most practitioners in the State, giving him access as a familiar face and as someone anyone can reach out to. “Like all professions come with their challenges, Kathakali comes with its unique set of trials like not getting enough sleep due to the travelling and programmes, as a result not being able to take care of their families. The stresses are a result of these factors, mostly. They might not be able to cope with it; a couple of Kathakali artistes shared their concerns with us also. Nisha contacted me, suggesting a group that would offer solace to artistes struggling with stress, anxiety and mental health issues,” says Prashanth. He adds that often a person who is struggling does not know how to deal with such issues. The presence of doctors in the group ensures medical support, if needed. The representatives of the Kathakali Artistes’ Association in each district have been entrusted with the responsibility of keeping track of any artiste who might be in need of help and succour. Published - June 05, 2026 04:24 pm IST
