KOZHIKODE: There is a story of a father’s dream and tears behind Yadhukrishnan’s A grade in Kathakali for HS section boys. He was taught Kathakali by his late father. He performed as Krishna from Rukmini swayamvaram.

Yadukrishnan is the youngest son of famous Kathakali artist Kalanilayam Gopinathan, who passed away two months ago due to cancer. This is Yadu's first state arts festival. He is currently studying in eighth standard in National Higher secondary school, Irinjalakuda.

It was his father who taught him the mannerisms and expressions that should be displayed when entering the stage as Krishna. His father was very strict in Kathakali training. He trained Yadhu during his last days in a private hospital in Kochi. From the age of one and a half years, Yadhu was interested in Kathakali. Currently he is being trained by Kalanilayam Gopi.

Brother turns guru

Gopinathan's elder son Harikrishnan has won the first place in Kathakali in the state arts festival for four years. Yadukrishnan, who came backstage after the performance, frantically searched for his elder brother. “Hari is Yadu’s brother and guru as well”, says his mother and dancer Kalamandalam Prasheeja with tears in her eyes.