Renowned Malayalam actress and dancer Rima Kallingal took center stage this Sunday at the Black Box Theatre inside the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi in Thrissur, completing her arangetram in the age‑old art of chenda melam. Holding the chenda sticks in her right hand and syncing with the six‑beat panchari rhythm on her left, she performed alongside members of her own Mamangam Dance Academy, a moment that quickly went viral across social media platforms.

Historical Context of the Chenda

The chenda, a cylindrical drum native to Kerala, has been a cornerstone of temple festivals and traditional ensembles for over two millennia. Its resonant beats form the backbone of panchari melam, a percussive ensemble performed during major religious and cultural ceremonies. By embracing this instrument, Rima connects to a lineage that dates back to ancient Dravidian rituals, while simultaneously pushing its boundaries into contemporary performance art.

From a Single Choreography to Deep Mastery

Initially, the troupe intended to learn only enough chenda to execute a single choreography for their upcoming production “Vattam.” However, under the tutelage of percussionist‑guru Vivek Kanimangalam, the group decided to delve deeper. After eight hours of daily dance rehearsals, each performer added two extra hours of chenda practice, enduring calluses and sore shoulders—a physical toll comparable to rigorous dance training.

Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

“Vattam,” derived from the circular drumheads of the chenda, is slated to debut in Moscow on July 21. Choreographer‑percussionist Santosh Madhav, who has collaborated with Mamangam since its inception twelve years ago, envisions a seamless blend of traditional melam with modern dance vocabulary. He believes that “people who have never worked together can create disciplined beauty,” a sentiment echoed by senior artists like Unni Manghat and the chief master percussionist (pramani) Peruvanam Kuttan Marar.

Rima’s Broader Artistic Vision

Beyond her chenda debut, Rima’s artistic journey began with a four‑year stint at contemporary dance company Nritarutya in Bangalore, where she also explored Taekwondo, Chhau, and Kalaripayattu. On screen, she is celebrated for portraying strong, unconventional women in films such as “22 Female Kottayam” and “Rani Padmini.” A co‑founder of the Women in Cinema Collective, she champions safer, equitable conditions in the Malayalam film industry. Reflecting on her chenda experience, she urges, “Open your heart to a new art form—it will change your life.”