C.R. Raman Namboodiri

🪔 About

C.R. Raman Namboodiri was a significant figure in the world of Kathakali, an Indian classical dance form. Born on 16 Karkitakam 1090 ME (approximately 1914 CE) in Cheruvally Illam of Aalapuramkara in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India, he embarked on his Kathakali journey with initial training during his school days. His more rigorous and formative instruction, however, took place after he moved to his mother's ancestral home in Perunthalakkaat, Kongad, Palakkad district. There, he received extensive training under the tutelage of the esteemed Vaazhenkada Kunchu Nair. Despite his southern origins, his primary training under Kunchu Nair led him to be regarded as a "northerner" within Kathakali circles, indicating the profound influence of his guru and the style he imbibed. Namboodiri's talent and dedication were recognized by the world-renowned dancer Udaya Sankar, a friend of Anna Pavlova. Around ME 1109 (approximately 1933 CE), Udaya Sankar traveled to Kerala specifically to learn Kathakali and chose C.R. Raman Namboodiri as his "Guru." Following this, Namboodiri was installed as the chief instructor at Udaya Sankar's prominent dance center in Almora, a testament to his expertise and teaching prowess. His career as a performer and teacher was tragically cut short when he died on stage in ME 1118 (approximately 1942 CE) while enacting the role of Dussaasana Vadham, a powerful episode from the Mahabharata, to an audience of nobles and royalties. His legacy includes his role in shaping the understanding and performance of Kathakali, particularly through his association with Udaya Sankar and his contributions to the art form's instruction.