Navarasam - Expressions and Eye Movements in Kathakali

A highly stylised technique of facial expressions and eye movements called Raasabhinaya is an integral part of Kathakali, consisting of nine basic expressions, or Navarasam.

The expressions are:
Sringara (love)
Hasya (comedy)
Karuna (pity)
Rudra (anger)
Veeryam (valour)
Bhayankaam (fearful)
Bheebhatsa (disgusted)
Adbhuta (wonder)
Shantam (peaceful)

We were fortunate to witness a demonstration of these bhaavas or expressions by Sujheesh K Rao at the Kerala Kathakali Centre in Fort Kochi. If you visit Fort Kochi in future, do go to the Kerala Kathakali Center and watch a performance of Kathakali or Kalari there.

Artist: Sujheesh K Rao.
Website: http://www.kathakalicentre.com/

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