No percussion is used for female characters in Kathakali, why? - Nelliyode Vasudevan Namboodiri,

In Kathakali, most of the female characters are portrayed as noble and gentle and in performance of such characters no heavy percussion is used. But exception is there, for villainous character like Poothana, Soorpanaka, percussions are used to demonstrate their arrogance. 

An interview with Nelliyode Vasudevan Namboodiri, shares his knowledge of Kathakali and his memories related to this dance-drama. Nelliyodu Vasudevan Namboodiri is widely acclaimed as the most talented of Kathakali artistes to present the chuvanna thaadi vesham (read bearded character), the most terrifying of Kathakali characters.