Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharodi

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharodi (January 12, 1943 – November 30, 2022) was a highly acclaimed Indian Kathakali artist, celebrated for his profound expertise in portraying a diverse range of characters with remarkable depth and precision. Born in Palakkad District, Kerala, he completed his formal education up to the 7th standard before dedicating himself to Kathakali. His initial training commenced at Kerala Kalalayam, Ottapalam, under Kalamandalam Balakrishnan Nair for one year. He then pursued further studies at P.S.V. Natyasangham for three years, followed by six years of advanced training at Kerala Kalamandalam under the legendary Padmasree Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair. He also received invaluable guidance from celebrated gurus like Ramankutty Nair and Padmanabhan Nair. With a scholarship from the Central Government, he continued his studies for two more years, completing his formal Kathakali education in 1969. After completing his training, Vasu Pisharodi served as a temporary teacher at Kerala Kalamandalam until 1979. During this period, he also imparted knowledge in Kalari schools managed by the Guruvayoor Kathakali Club. In 1979, he was appointed as a permanent faculty member and subsequently became the Head of the Department of Kathakali Vesham at Kerala Kalamandalam, a position he held until his retirement in March 1999. He also served as the institution's vice-principal. Pisharodi was renowned for his mastery of 'Pacha' roles, such as Nalan and Bahukan in 'Nalacharitham', 'Kathi' roles like Ravanan in 'Udbhavam' and Keechakan in 'Keechaka Vadham', and 'Minukku' roles including Brahmanan in 'Santhanagopalam' and Parasuraman. He performed Kathakali extensively across India and made approximately 20 international tours. His work 'Ranganaishadham', an acting manual, is considered a valuable asset to the dance-drama form. Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharodi passed away on November 30, 2022, at the age of 79, leaving behind a significant legacy in the world of Kathakali. Awards & Honours: Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2004), Kerala Kalamandalam Award (1998), Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship (2021), Fellowship from the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Shri Pattikkamthodi Puraskar, Olappamanna Devi Puraskar, Kalamandalam Krishnan Kutty Podhuval Puraskar, Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair Kalyanikutty Amma Puraskar, Veerashrinkhala, Kerala State Kathakali Award (2012), Vazhenkada Kunju Nair Samasthuthi Samman.