KATHAK | KATHAKALI

The types of Kathakali make-up are five in number. They are:

1. Minukku: The actors use only red and yellow colours for this make-up. The characters depicted by this make-up are sages, Brahmins females roles.

2. 'Paccha' or satvik characters: In this the face is painted green and the contour of the face, from the lower jaws right upto the forehead is adorned with a rim of white paste prepared with a rice flour and is called 'chutti'. The eye and the eye lashes are painted black whereas the lips are painted red. Such a make-up represents Satvik or virtuous and dignified characters such as Rama, Krishna, Arjunam Nala, Indra, etc.

3. 'Katti': This make-up is more elaborate than Paccha. In this red and green colours are mixed intelligently. The Chutti is from the nose to the forehead. This represents Rajasik characters like Ravana, Keechakam Dushyasana etc.

4. 'Tadi' or bearded make-up: In this red, white and black colours are used and the characters may represent either good or evil roles. There are many kinds of 'tadi' make-up.

(a) 'Velapu tadi' white beard: The character has a white beard, a 'chutti' from the nose to the eyes and black colour on the face. This is the characteristic make-up of the monkey god-Hanuman. The Characters wear hairy coat.