Appunni Tharakan

🪔 About

Nambiarath Appunni Tharakan (1928-2025) was a highly respected Indian Kathakali artist from Kerala, renowned for his mastery as an "Uduthukettal" expert and "aniyara" (behind-the-curtains) artist. Born on August 3, 1928, in Mangod near Cherpulassery in the Palakkad district, he dedicated over seven decades to the intricate craft of Kathakali make-up, dressing, and costume arrangement. Tharakan's journey into the world of Kathakali began at the tender age of 14 when he started his career at the Olappamanna Mana. He received his training in Uduthukettal from his brother-in-law, Pambath Sankaran, also known as Kollankode Sankaran. By the age of 18, he had become proficient in his art and began working independently. His extensive career saw him serve as a main aniyara artist for several prominent institutions, including the Kottayam PSV Natyasangham, the Iringalakuda Unnai Warrier Memorial Kalanilayam, and the Perur Sadanam Kathakali Academy. At the age of 50, he joined the Kerala Kalamandalam as a permanent employee, a position he held until his retirement in 1984. During his tenure, he was the chief costumer for the Kerala Kalamandalam Kathakali Troupe and was instrumental in preparing new costumes and make-up materials for artists. Appunni Tharakan's expertise extended beyond Kerala, as he traveled to countries like Germany and Singapore for his work. He also played a significant role in nurturing young talent, having prepared school children for the Kerala State School Kalothsavam for 55 consecutive years since its inception in 1953. After retiring from Kerala Kalamandalam, he established his own costume-renting organization named "Manjuthara" near Vellinezhi. His profound contributions to Kathakali were recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award in 2023. He passed away on January 23, 2025, at the age of 96, leaving an indelible mark on the art form. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award (2023), Kerala Kalamandalam Award for Best Kathakali Aniyara Artist (2020), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award, Kerala Kalamandalam Mukundaraja Award, Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair Award, Veerasrimgala, Vellinezhi Olappamanna Mana Special Award, Award from Kozhikode Thodayam, Honored at the International Kathakali and Koodiyattam Festival.