88-year-old surgeon completes 45 years as Kathakali artist

KOCHI: 88-year-old Sabhapathi is a renowned surgeon and a Kathakali artist. Even at this age, he is about to perform Kathakali in Kuchela vesham in Guruvayoor temple. He has been performing Kathakali for the past 45 years and this is his 34th performance in Guruvayoor.

He was born in Aylur, Palakkad and joined for medical studies in Manipal in 1955. In 1965, he became a general surgeon at Palluruthy General Hospital. He established Krishna Hospital in Ernakulam in 1967. During 1970-75, Sabapathi was a surgeon in many hospitals in Kochi. His love for Kathakali started from his father Krishna Iyer, who was a legal expert. Sabapathi started learning Kathakali since 1977.

He lives on top floor of Krishna hospital along with his family. But he doesn’t visit hospital now as he was contracted with Covid thrice. Still, he doesn’t miss Kathakali practice on weekends. Sadanam Vijayan is his current guru.

Sabapathi’s favourite Kathakali vesham is Kuchela vesham. He doesn’t accept money for his performance. His daughter-in-law also learns Kathakali along with him. He wakes up at 5.30 am every day, terrace farming, newspaper reading and prayer are a must. Sabapathi also practices yoga in three days a week. He has three children and all of them are doctors.