When the father Kalanilayam Balakrishnan and his son K.C Arun Babu shared seats at the Kathakali Competition Jury, it marked a rare occasion.

Kalanilayam Mohana warrier was the third judge of the panel.

Arun Babu is a popular music producer, director and singer. His musical album 'Ajitha Hare ' in YouTube hit more than 44 lakhs viewers. His father played the role of Krishna in the album. The Kathakali padam 'Ajitha Hare ' became viral amongst the youth after the album release.

He has also been a director and actor on big screen. While at Kollam sharing the jury seat with his father, memories of the 1998 Youth festival occupies his mind. Arun Babu was the winner in Kathakali, Kathakali music and Ottan Thullal at the venue in Town UPS. An ardent Kathakali learner at Sadanam Kathakali Academy, Arun Babu has procured a diploma in Kathakali music. He is also doing research in Kathakali music.

He has received Central government fellowship and CCRT Scholarship in Kathakali. It has been of great excitement for him to share the jury chair with his father at Kollam.