Thejalakshmi S, a Class VIII student at Perambra High School in Kozhikode, turned her profound personal loss into a moving artistic expression. She performed a mimicry act that captured the raw emotions of the Wayanad landslides, which claimed the lives of her brother Saran Kumar and his family.
A Performance Born from Grief
"I lost my brother Saran Kumar and his family in the tragedy," Thejalakshmi shared. "Last year, he was my biggest inspiration. He was supposed to be here watching me perform again." Her words reveal the deep personal connection behind her art.
Her performance stood out immediately. It carried the heavy weight of loss, survival, and memory. She skillfully wove together the terrifying sounds of gushing water, the chaotic noises of frantic rescue operations, and the haunting silence of hospital wards. The 2018 floods and the Chooralmala landslide served as central motifs throughout her act.
Overcoming Painful Memories
Thejalakshmi admitted that reproducing those sounds was initially painful. Each attempt brought back distressing memories. Her father, Shyju Perambra, who is himself a mimicry artist and trained her, likely experienced similar emotions watching his daughter channel their family tragedy.
For Thejalakshmi, this performance provided a crucial space to express her personal loss. It transformed private grief into public art, creating something meaningful from tragedy.
A Generational Shift in Mimicry
The school arts festival mimicry event revealed a clear generational shift. Contestants moved away from the discipline's age-old clichés toward contemporary social realities and pop culture references.
Aradhya M K, another Class VIII student from Gurukulam HSS in Alathur, demonstrated this shift perfectly. She chose the omnipresence of ghost characters in Malayalam cinema as her theme. "Maadan, Marutha and Yakshi are conquering the land of Kerala," Aradhya declared in her opening monologue.
Modern Themes and Contemporary Flair
Aradhya explored how celebrities might react to supernatural encounters. Her idea took shape after watching the film Lokah, which revisits the legend of Kalliyankattu Neeli. She added a distinctly contemporary flavor to her performance by incorporating DJ beats and references to viral social media characters, including Instagram personality Naga Sairanthri.
These performances collectively underlined how mimicry at school arts festivals has evolved significantly. The art form now features less reliance on stock voices and places greater emphasis on storytelling and personal expression.
The Evolution of an Art Form
The recent mimicry performances at Kerala school arts festivals signal a meaningful transformation. Students are pushing boundaries, using mimicry not just for entertainment but for social commentary and personal catharsis.
Thejalakshmi's performance particularly demonstrates this evolution. She channeled her family's tragedy into art, creating something that resonates beyond traditional mimicry expectations. Her act serves as both memorial and message, honoring lost loved ones while showcasing mimicry's potential for deep emotional expression.
These young performers are redefining what mimicry can be. They prove that this traditional art form can address contemporary issues, process personal trauma, and engage with modern culture while maintaining its essential character.
