Edanadu Unnikrishnan Nambiar

🪔 About

Edanadu Unnikrishnan Nambiar is a distinguished Indian classical artist, renowned for his mastery of the mizhavu, a percussion instrument central to Koodiyattam, Koothu, and Nangiarkoothu performances. Born into a traditional family of mizhavu performers in Edanadu, his artistic journey began at an early age. His mother, Padmini Nangiar, was a Nangiarkoothu performer, immersing him in the rich cultural heritage of his family. He commenced his early training on the mizhavu at the age of seven under the tutelage of his uncle, E.K. Narayanan Nambiar, with his arangettam taking place at the Karthyayani Temple in Edanadu. At the age of 13, Nambiar joined Kerala Kalamandalam, a premier institution for performing arts. In 1967, he became the first student of mizhavu when a dedicated department for the instrument was established under Guru P.K. Narayanan Nambiar. His education at Kalamandalam was comprehensive, encompassing the entire forms of Koothu and Koodiyattam. He further honed his skills in Sanskrit slokams for Chakyarkoothu and Padhakam under Painkulam Rama Chakyar Asan. From 1974, he had the privilege of learning in the traditional gurukula style alongside Guru Ammanur Madhava Chakyar, an association that profoundly shaped his artistry. Unnikrishnan Nambiar has performed internationally, participating in festivals in Japan, France, the United Kingdom, and the Drum Festival in Korea in 2005. He was also selected for research and study in Italy on 'Dragon Bond Right,' a contemporary dance form that sought to integrate traditional dances from various cultures. His presence as a mizhavu artiste is highly regarded in performances of Koothu, Koodiyattam, and Nangiarkoothu, particularly at venues like the Margi in Thiruvananthapuram. He is recognized not only as a performer but also as a teacher and guru, contributing significantly to the preservation and propagation of these ancient art forms. Awards & Honours: Kalamandalam Award (mizhavu) (2013).