FAQ

Kathakali Facial Expressions

A classical Indian dance-drama from Kerala, Kathakali is renowned for its makeup, elaborate costumes and unique movements. A captivating aspect of Kathakali is the facial expressions, known as navarasam (nine emotions), which play a significant part in conveying the emotions of the characters as part of the storytelling.

The nine emotions used in Kathakali are Sringaram, which indicates love; Veeram for portraying valour; Hasyam for comedy; Roudram for expressing anger; Karunam for pity; Bhayanakam for indicating fear; Bibhatsam for expressing disgust; Adbhutam for wonder and Santam for indicating peace.

Artistes of Kathakali resort to the navarasas or the nine emotions as part of the storytelling and they do so through a synergy of eye movements, movement of facial muscles and also the colours of the facial makeup.