Kalamandalam Rajeev

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Rajeev, a renowned Kathakali dancer, was born on May 30, 1974. He is the son of Mayyanad Kesavan Namboodiri and Radhamani Antharjanam. Rajeev undertook his Kathakali training at Kerala Kalamandalam, where he completed his Diploma and Post Graduate studies. He received rigorous instruction from esteemed gurus including his father Mayyanad Kesavan Namboothiri, Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharody, Kalamandalam Balasubrahmanian, Kalamandalam Gopalakrishnan, and Kalamandalam Ramdas. Rajeev specializes in performing "Pacha" characters, which represent noble and virtuous protagonists in Kathakali. He has also performed "Kathi" characters. With a performing career spanning over four decades, he has graced numerous stages, captivating audiences with his expressive portrayals. Beyond his performances, Kalamandalam Rajeev is dedicated to the propagation of Kathakali. He currently serves as a teacher at Kerala Kalamandalam on a temporary basis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he initiated innovative online Kathakali appreciation classes to reach a wider audience and counteract the dwindling number of spectators for traditional performances. These classes, which began with over a hundred inquiries and three batches of 30 students each, aim to develop new art enthusiasts by teaching basic mudras and comparing them to real-life examples. His efforts have inspired students globally, with one nurse from the United States completing her arangettam online and another individual from Singapore taking up the dance form. Kalamandalam Rajeev has been honored with several prestigious awards throughout his career, recognizing his contributions to Kathakali. These include the A.D. Bolland Medal, Calcutta-India International Award, Guru Gopinath Award, Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair Award, Guru Kunchukurup Award, University Kathakali first prize, and Keralolsavam First Prize. In 2014, he was also bestowed with the K.V. Kochaniyan Memorial Award and the Tripunithura Unnikrishnan Memorial Award. He hails from Kollam, Kerala, India. Awards & Honours: A.D. Bolland Medal, Calcutta-India International Award, Guru Gopinath Award, Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair Award, Guru Kunchukurup Award, University Kathakali first prize, Keralolsavam First Prize, K.V. Kochaniyan Memorial Award (2014), Tripunithura Unnikrishnan Memorial Award (2014).