Kathakali make-up is based on a certain set of colours, each of which is used to represent a particular aspect. Make-up in Kathakali goes beyond simply acting as a method of decorating the face of the dancer and instead is used to transform the dancers into the characters they are playing. Once Kathakali dancers have put on their costume and make- up they are no longer themselves, they have assumed the life of the character they are playing. This is respected to such an extent that no one addresses the dancers by their real names, the performers playing different characters usually do not even converse while the show is on except on stage. A special person is responsible for doing the make-up and is known as a Chottikkaran. A chottikkaran is usually a revered teacher who has undergone extensive training in a vast number of artistic concepts. The Chottikkaran faces the difficult task of correctly blending the colours to properly create the mood required.