No Onam celebration is complete without the presence of King Mahabali or Maveli who, according to legend, sacrificed his life to protect his land and the people of Kerala.
As all Malayalees, irrespective of religion, caste and creed, gear up to celebrate the homecoming of this mythical king — Gopi is in high demand.
This freight forwarding company owner transforms himself to resemble Mahabali, exactly like the king that Malayalees the world over relate to.
It all started after Gopi, who has been residing in the UAE for four decades, was forced to don the get-up at the last minute.
“I first wore the costume and took up the role 12 years ago. The person who was invited to play Mahabali at our educational institution, Vidya Association, dropped out at the last minute and I had to step in,” recalls the 60 year old.
“Everything was done in a hurry and I just saved the day for my cultural committee then. However, everyone felt that I suited the character better and then I became the permanent Mahabali for functions.” says Gopi. He has done over 130 plus stage performances to date.
Gopi, who won the Asianet Mahabali competition held at the Indian Social Centre last Friday, revealed that he has put a lot of effort in getting the right costumes and that gives him the edge.
“Earlier I used my wife’s saris but now I have a collection of costumes which I have picked from Kerala. I also travelled all the way to Madurai to buy the crown which is made of brass,” says Gopi, who also has a professional make-up man to go with him for the events.
“It takes me around two hours to put on the make-up. But it takes more than three hours to get it removed. There are times when I drive to another event without even removing the costume. I cover myself up from head to toe to avoid looking funny while driving,” he says with a laugh and adds that the family has backed him all the way.
Gopi goes on to reveal that the name Maveli has stuck with him and now very few call him by his own name.
“People have saved my phone number with the name Maveli. They start the conversation saying, Maveli, how are you?’ I love that because it shows that I have done a good job when I’m on stage and everyone has accepted me,” says Gopi, who charges no remuneration for his appearances.
“I do it absolutely free of cost because I feel it’s God-given. All I ask is the organisers to pay something for my make-up man. People have a picture about Mahabali in their mind and they come and say I look exactly like him. I also feel like Mahabali once I get in front of the crowd. I like to spread the message of Mahabali, that everyone is equal in this land.”
