The Kerala state school youth festivals that are conducted every year, are nothing less than a riot of colours and talent.
These annual festivals are considered to be among the biggest cultural events in Asia and pack together an eclectic mix of dance, music and art.
The festivals have also served as the launch pad for many artists in the Malayalam film industry, including Manju Warrier, Navya Nair, Vineeth and Kavya Madhavan.
Manju Warrier was awarded state ‘Kalathilakam’ twice, an award given to the female artist who secures the highest scores in a particular fest for two years continuously. She secured it for the first time in 1992.
Courtesy: Media one
Navya Nair was Kalathilakam in the Alappuzha District Schools Youth Festival in 2001 and she was well known for her acting talent. She also made headlines the same year when she cried in front of the media since that year’s state Kalathilakam was bagged by another actor, Ambili Devi. At that time, Navya had alleged that Ambili Devi was not eligible for the award.
Actor and classical dancer Vineeth also entered the film industry through the school youth fests. He made headlines in the 1980s for his flawless Bharathanatyam dance when he was still a school student. He won the first prize at the Kerala State Youth festival for four years running. He was also given the 'Kalaprathibha' award for best male performer.
Kavya Madhavan, the popular actor was also a Kalotsavam darling. She was Kalathilakam at Sub District level many times.
Pic courtesy- Various Facebook pages.