Many of Kerala's celebrated personalities began their journey to stardom at the Kerala School Kalolsavam, where they first showcased their talents. These prominent figures, who once graced the stage of the school youth festivals, now reminisce about their performances during those memorable days that set the stage for their rise to fame.

KJ Yesudas
"In 1958, at Palluruthy St. Sebastian’s School, I performed the Keerthanam 'Mamavathu Sree Saraswathi', composed in Hindola raga. I secured the first prize in Classical Music that year. Interestingly, P. Jayachandran won first prize in Mridangam percussion. We also performed together during the event's valedictory session."

KS Chithra
"At the 1978 youth festival in Thrissur, I won first prize in Light Music for singing the melodious Odakkuzhale... Odakkuzhale. The song was composed by M.G. Radhakrishnan, who also taught me the piece, and its lyrics were penned by ONV Kurup."

Guinness Pakru
"In the Mono Act competition, I portrayed Sita, navigating her life with unwavering dedication to her husband, Lord Rama, while overcoming challenges in his household. For the Kathaprasangam (story recital) competition, I presented Mattuvin Chattangale, a narrative opposing communalism."

Manju Warrier
"My events included Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, folk dance, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Veena, and Tamil poem recitation. I participated in the school youth festivals in 1991, 92, 93  and 1995. In Bharatanatyam, I performed for the keerthanam Mohana Krishna... While I can’t recall the song I danced to for Mohiniyattam, I distinctly remember it was set in Husaini raga."

M Jayachandran
Won prizes at the State School Youth Festival from 1983 to 1985 while studying at Niramankara MMRHSS. In Light Music, I performed Kalakamala Manwanthara, a song taught to me by the esteemed Perumbavoor G. Raveendranath. The following year, I shared the second prize in Classical Music with Sreevalsan J. Menon, singing the piece Ninne Nammi Naanu Sada.

Sujatha Mohan
I won the first prize in Light Music in 1974, performing the song Innathe Mohana Swapnangale, composed by Pukazhenthi. In the Poem Recitation category, I recited Vallathol's Ente Gurunathan.

Minister Veena George
Won first prize in Mono Act at the festival held in Thiroor in 1992, performing the poignant portrayal of Panchali, disrobed in the Kaurava court. At the previous festival in Kasargod, the story of Karnan and Kunti Devi was presented and won second prize for it.

ET Muhammed Basheer
I secured first prize in Elocution in 1962 as a student of the Chaliyam Imbichi School. I began my speech by quoting a poetic verse from Kunjunni Mash: “Read or not, you will grow up. You will reap if you do, you will trip if you don't.” Just as I began my speech, my eyes fell on the legendary orator Sukumar Azheekode, seated among the jury.

Perumbavoor G Raveendranath
In the 1958 festival, I performed the classical music item Pahi Jagajjanani, though KJ Yesudas won the first prize. I won my first prize in 1960 at the festival in Kozhikode, for a song composed in Kalyani raga.

Sharret
Back then, I was known as Sujith V I. Someone gave me a recording of a song from a railway station, Sarasakha Paripalaya Paadiya composed by MG Radhakrishnan. I performed it and won the first prize, making it feel as though the prize arrived on board the train.