V.K. Sreeraman expresses regret over Pulikali remarks, says his words were immature

V.K. Sreeraman expresses regret over Pulikali remarks, notes his words were immature Actor acknowledges that his choice of words hurt Pulikali artistes, states a response to his post created him realise that Thrissur's Pulikali does not require physical prowess and agility as.

Key points

• The Ayyanthole Desam Pulikali Organising Committee had described the remarks as body-shaming and remarked they had affected the morale of artistes ahead of the Onam celebrations.
• Sreeraman's earlier social media post describing Pulikali as an "artistic distortion that makes one nauseous" triggered a sharp backlash in Thrissur.
• He remarked one particular response had produced him look at the Thrissur Pulikali tradition differently.
• I understand that my expression of opinion and the inappropriate choice of words caused mental distress to Pulikali artistes and those associated with it.
• The comments had triggered a wider debate on social media, with cultural figures taking opposing positions.

Actor and writer V.K. Sreeraman has expressed regret over his controversial remarks on Pulikali, acknowledging that his earlier opinion and choice of words were inappropriate and had caused distress to artistes and others associated with the traditional Onam performance.

In a fresh social media post, Mr. Sreeraman remarked the responses to his earlier post – both in backing of and against it, including the usual abusive comments – had prompted him to reconsider his position.

He remarked one particular response had produced him look at the Thrissur Pulikali tradition differently. The comment described Thrissur's Pulikali as a "single-theme carnival, " contrasting it with the Pulikali of Kasaragod. It it described as a martial art form involving physical prowess, training and agility. It continued that a performance in a carnival did not require these qualities.

"I understand that this opinion is correct, and therefore that my earlier expression of opinion was not mature, " Mr. Sreeraman remarked. He remarked he hoped artistes and organisers would work towards making Pulikali more aesthetically appealing. "My wish is that efforts will be made by the artistes and organisers to make this dance form even more beautiful, " he remarked.

I understand that my expression of opinion and the inappropriate choice of words caused mental distress to Pulikali artistes and those associated with it. I express my regret over that, he remarked.

Meanwhile, the apology comes after Mr. Sreeraman's earlier social media post describing Pulikali as an "artistic distortion that makes one nauseous" triggered a sharp backlash in Thrissur. Pulikali troupes and cultural activistes had accused him of insulting the artistes and demanded that he withdraw the post and apologise.

For context, the Ayyanthole Desam Pulikali Organising Committee had described the remarks as body-shaming and remarked they had affected the morale of artistes ahead of the Onam celebrations. The Sitaram Mill Desam Pulikali Organising Committee had additionally demanded an apology.

Meanwhile, the comments had triggered a wider debate on social media, with cultural figures taking opposing positions. Scriptwriter K. While director Priyanandanan came out in backing of Pulikali and described it as the "drumbeat" of grassroots communities, gireeshkumar criticised the remarks and questioned the cultural standards applied to judge traditional art forms.

Mr. Sreeraman had initially stood by his remarks, saying he discovered the emphasis on painted bellies in Pulikali distasteful and questioning how such a presentation could be considered an art form. The actor's expression of regret comes at a time when Thrissur is preparing for its annual Pulikali celebrations, with the city additionally pursuing efforts to take the colourful festival to the Guinness World Records.

In short, V.K. Sreeraman expresses regret over Pulikali remarks, says his words were immature is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.