Kalamandalam Balasubramanian

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Balasubramanian, born C. M. Balasubramanian on May 26, 1955, in Kothachira, Palakkad district, Kerala, is a distinguished Kathakali dancer and guru. His parents, Thankamani Marasyaar and C. V. Rama Warrier, were Carnatic music experts, with his father also being a Kathakali musician. Balasubramanian began his formal training in Kathakali at the Kerala Kalamandalam in 1968, at the age of 13, after completing the seventh standard. He underwent extensive training, completing a six-year diploma in Kathakali vesham, followed by a two-year post-diploma and a two-year senior scholarship. He further pursued a one-year Special Advanced Training Diploma under a Central Government Fellowship, guided by eminent Kathakali exponents such as Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair and Kalamandalam Gopi. Balasubramanian's career at Kerala Kalamandalam began in 1979 as a Kathakali instructor. He steadily rose through the ranks, eventually retiring as the principal in 2011. In 2019, he was re-appointed as the Dean of the Kalamandalam Deemed University. As a performer, he is renowned for his versatility in portraying both 'Pacha' (noble characters like Bhima, Arjuna, Krishna, and Nala) and 'Kathi' (negative characters such as Kichaka, Narakasura, Duryodhana, and Ravana) roles, adhering to the Kalluvazhi style of Kathakali. His performances have captivated audiences globally, with tours across countries including the USA, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Japan, and various European nations. Beyond performing and teaching, he has contributed to Kathakali choreography for Malayalam films like 'Vanaprastham' (1999) and 'Desadanam' (1997) and has been involved in several documentaries on the art form. He also authored a book titled 'Kannum Poovum' on Kathakali. He currently resides in Punkunnam, Thrissur. Awards & Honours: David Bolland Gold Medal (1974), Nareri Achan Thampuran Smaraka Trophy (1978), Krishnan Kutty Smaraka Mudra (1998), Kalahamsam (2003), Painkulam Ramachakyar Puraskar (2011), Kerala Kalamandalam Award (2013), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (2019), Amaravati Lifetime Achievement Award (2020), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2022), Guru Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair award (2023), Udatham Award (2024).