Athira Hariharan

🪔 About

Athira Hariharan is an accomplished Indian classical dancer specializing in Koodiyattam and Nangiarkoothu, an ancient Sanskrit drama tradition unique to Kerala. She hails from a distinguished lineage of artists, being the daughter of the renowned Nangiarkoothu exponent Usha Nangiar and mizhavu exponent Hariharan. Her artistic heritage extends to her maternal grandfather, the well-known Mizhavu artiste Chathakudam Krishnan Nambiar. Athira commenced her rigorous training in Nangiarkoothu and Koodiyattam at a tender age, dedicating eight years to mastering these intricate art forms at the prestigious Krishnan Nambiar Mizhavu Kalari in Thrissur, Kerala. Complementing her dance training, she also undertook an eight-year study of Sanskrit, a language fundamental to the understanding and performance of Koodiyattam. Her formal debut, known as Arangetram, took place in 2012 at the very institution where she received her training, the Mizhavukalari. Throughout her burgeoning career, Athira has delivered notable performances. In January 2022, she presented a “remarkable performance” of the purappadu of Mandodari in a play during the 35th Koodiyattam Festival at the Ammannur Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam in Irinjalakuda. Earlier, in February 2018, she captivated audiences with a Nangiarkoothu performance at the Sri Poornathrayeesha Sevasangham hall in Kochi, where she eloquently narrated tales of Sri Krishna, specifically focusing on the initial segment of Kamsa's birth, having meticulously learned approximately 50 slokas for the portrayal. Furthermore, Athira has actively participated in significant cultural events, including keeping talam (rhythm) alongside fellow artists Saritha Krishnakumar and Gurukulam Sruti at the five-day Panchakanya Rangavatharana Mahotsav in Thrissur, an event organized by her mother, Usha Nangiar. She is recognized as a promising young talent dedicated to upholding and advancing the rich traditions of Sanskrit theatre.