Storyteller Kanchiyodu Jayan narrates Cristiano Ronaldo’s inspiring journey through Kathaprasangam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: “Ronaldo is set to take the free kick. The gallery is roaring. All eyes are on Cristiano. He sees only two things- the goalpost and the goalkeeper.”

This is not a football live commentary. It is a Kathaprasangam, a traditional storytelling performance, through which Kanchiyodu Jayan narrates the inspiring life story of Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

“He closed his eyes, took three deep breaths, gathered all his strength and ran forward. With rocket-like speed, he struck the ball into the net.”

As the background music rises, a song follows. The original lines are in Malayalam, and the following is an English translation:

“Goal, you say?
It is no ordinary goal,
It is a spectacular one!”

Kanchiyodu Jayan is a familiar voice among All India Radio listeners. He retired from the radio service three years ago. While presenting the popular programme ‘Pularvettam’ on the Thiruvananthapuram station, Jayan often concluded his stories with a moral message.

During one of his narrations about Ronaldo, Jayan highlighted the footballer’s struggles and rise to fame.

“Rono had to stop his studies in the fifth standard because his family could not afford the school fees. Five years later, he returned and bought the same school. The teacher who had insulted him and sent him away was still working there.”

Ronaldo, who faced poverty during his childhood, went on to become one of the world’s most successful footballers and is also known for supporting charitable causes.

A native of Aryankavu, Jayan began performing Kathaprasangam on stage when he was only 13 years old. Today, he continues his storytelling through his own online radio platform, Kancheeravam Online Radio.

On days when Cristiano Ronaldo plays, Jayan broadcasts his special Kathaprasangam titled “The One and Only CR7- Cristiano Ronaldo” at 9 pm.

Jayan currently lives in Peyad, Thiruvananthapuram. His wife Shirley is an ISRO employee. His children are Nidheesh Jayan and Kanchana Jayan.

Conclusion of the Kathaprasangam
The performance concludes with a tribute to Ronaldo’s iconic jersey number seven. The original Malayalam lines are translated as:

“Seven are the continents,
Seven are the wonders,
Seven are the musical notes,
Seven are the colours of the rainbow.
The best place in heaven is the seventh heaven.
The greatest number in football is number seven.
Yes, it is CR7.”