Thiruvananthapuram: The state govt has decided to increase the financial assistance given to pulikali troupes to Rs 1 lakh from this year, said tourism minister P C Vishnunadh on Friday.Govt is extending its support to pulikali and its artists and the departments of culture and tourism will take the necessary steps to preserve the art form and ensure the welfare of its performers, said the minister.He was speaking to reporters at Kanakakunnu during the inauguration of the trade fair and exhibition held as part of the Onam week celebrations.“Similar art forms exist in other regions as well. It includes Pili Vesha in Mangaluru and related traditions in Odisha, Bengal and other parts of the country. Kerala also has traditional forms such as Karadikali and Kaduvakali,” he said.“No art form or artist should be subjected to body-shaming or insult,” said Vishnunadh, referring to a social media post by actor V K Sreeraman in which he described Pulikali as an artistic distortion. The actor later expressed regret.Earlier, in a social media post, Vishnunadh said the controversy caused distress to pulikali artistes. “It pained me that such a remark came from the respected V K Sreeraman, who has taught us all to view things from different perspectives by presenting them in unique ways. Insulting people based on their bodies or appearance is unacceptable and must be opposed,” he said.“Pulikali, as an art form, has evolved over the years and continues to remain relevant by adapting to changing times. Women have joined pulikali, which had been traditionally performed only by men, thereby bringing in the principle of gender equality,” he added.
