Sasikala Vellodi S

🪔 About

Sasikala Vellodi S, also known as Sasikala Nedungadi, is a distinguished Indian classical dancer renowned for her contributions to Kathakali. Her journey in dance began with Mohiniyattam, but her affection for Kathakali led her to pursue it further. She commenced her Kathakali training in Class five under the tutelage of Kalamandalam E Vasudevan Nair. For her advanced studies, she received intensive training for three years from the legendary Padmashree Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair, with a particular focus on abhinaya (expression). She also had the opportunity to work with other stalwarts of the art form, including Padmabhooshan Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair. By the age of 17, Sasikala was already sharing the stage with many Kathakali legends, performing women's characters. After her marriage to medical practitioner Devidas Vellodi at 23, she took a 13-year hiatus from performing to focus on her family. Her return to the stage came after moving to Kochi in 1999. A significant moment in her career was performing alongside her daughter, Sruthi Devdas, who also became a Kathakali dancer, in a performance where they portrayed Seetha and Kushan. Since her return, Sasikala has been an active performer, presenting approximately 25 veshams (roles) annually. Sasikala Vellodi S has collaborated with notable artists such as Kalamandalam Gopi and Kalamandalam Hyderali. She has also explored innovative projects, including a jugalbandi show "Ardhanaareeshwaram" with sopana sangeetham performer Eloor Biju, and "Sargam," a fusion performance with Mohiniyattam artiste Athira Shanker, which integrates elements of Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, and Sopana Sangeetham. Currently, she serves as the Artistic Director of the Kochi Folklore Odeum for Traditional Art & Culture, an institution dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Kerala's traditional art forms. Her extensive experience and artistic vision continue to enrich the cultural landscape of Kerala.