Onam special: Meet UAE's own King Mahabali

The festival of Onam marks the visit of mythical King Mahabali to the south Indian state of Kerala. Expats in the UAE have their very own 'king of kings' to look up to.
Gopakumar Gopi, who has been in the UAE for the past 40 years, dons the role of the demon king during Onam events that are held across the UAE. Community organisations chase him for their programmes, as no Onam event is complete without the towering presence of a Mahabali.

Gopi has graced as many as 130 stages across the UAE. "Sometimes, I have covered three events in a day. I have had to drive from one place to another with my costume and makeup on. People were thrilled to see a Mahabali behind the wheels."
A native of Kollam district, Gopi said the success of his character lies in the perfect touches given by makeup man Clintu Pavithran. "We have been working together for five years," he said from his flat in Abu Dhabi.
Gopi acknowledged that his rotund figure, thick moustache and pot belly makes him an apt candidate for the role of Mahabali, who is also known as Maveli. "It is due to my body features that people easily identify me with the Mahabali. I match their perception."
Gop 'transforms' into a Mahabali as soon as he gets final touch-ups from Pavithran. "I can feel the change inside me. As I reach the stage, unknowingly the feeling that I am a Mahabali seeps into me. And then common people become my subjects. There are instances when people tell their children to seek my blessings. Those are very touching moments," said Gopi.
He has got legions of fans. "At an event last year, close to a thousand people took photos with me. Even Emiratis click selfies with me. They respect my work. I have won the best Mahabali award twice from Malayalam channel Asianet," he said.
Where it all began
It started during an event in 2002, when Gopi had to chip in as a substitute and then went on to become a main player. "It was a show for Vidya. It was a success and my role continues till date. However, I became serious about this only in the last four-five years," said Gopi, who runs a small business in the Capital.
How much does he charge per stage? "It's free. I manage all my stuff for the attire. This is my devotion and not a profession. Of course, I want my makeup man to be paid," said Gopi.
The Abu Dhabi resident remains in the Maveli character till November. Onam is a 10-day festival but in the UAE, the celebrations stretch for a few more months.
"There are so many associations, like Chirayinkeezhu Kottayima, Vidya, Sevanam, Lions Club Dubai, Varkala Association, Abu Dhabi Malayalee Samajam and many others. Every event is held on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday and hence the celebrations stretch for few months here," he said, laughing.
"Clintu is with me throughout to help me," Gopi said.
However, the makeup man, who has been in the field for the past 26 years, said: "It's all about him."
Gopi said he has got "full support" from his family, friends and "especially" All Kerala Women's College Alumni's Shila Samad.
"I have a wife and two daughters, who are married. I am also a grandfather," he chuckled.
When asked about his dream, he said: "Mahabali was a demon king but a wise and generous ruler. Thus, goes the Onam song: Maveli nadu vaneedum kalam, manusharellarum onnupole. (When Maveli ruled the land, all the people were equal). I want those days back."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi