Kottakal Chandra Sekharan

🪔 About

Kottakkal Chandrasekharan (January 15, 1945 – September 4, 2019) was a distinguished Indian classical dancer, renowned for his mastery of Kathakali. Born in Naduvattam, near Pattambi in the Palakkad district of Kerala, he was the son of A.M. Kumaraswami Bhattathiripad and P.V. Parukkutty Warassiar. His initial training in Kathakali began with Chethallur Kutta Panikkar. He then joined the P.S.V. Natyasangham in Kottakkal in 1958 for intensive training, where he was a disciple of eminent gurus such as Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair and Kottakkal Krishnankutty Nair, studying under them until 1967. Chandrasekharan excelled in portraying a wide range of characters in Kathakali, including both virtuous 'Pachcha' and anti-heroic 'Kathi' roles. His notable portrayals included Nalan, Bahukan, Bhiman, Arjunan, Ravanan, Duryodhanan, and Keechakan. He joined his alma mater, P.S.V. Natyasangham, as an instructor in 1967 and later became its principal in 1996, a position he held until his passing. As a teacher, he was highly regarded for his theoretical knowledge of Kathakali. He also demonstrated his skill as a choreographer, creating new plays for the Natyasangham, such as 'Satyavan Savitri', 'Sri Guruvayoorappan', and 'Arjuna Vishadavrittam'. His extensive career saw him perform Kathakali in numerous temples and clubs across Kerala and other Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Internationally, he performed in countries including the UK (Festival of India, 1983), Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, China, Korea, Hong Kong, and Switzerland. He was also actively involved in promoting Kathakali to younger audiences through the Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst the Youth (SPICMACAY). Kottakkal Chandrasekharan passed away on September 4, 2019, at the age of 74. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2006), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award, Kalamandalam Award (2007), Thulaseevanam Award (1990), Consolation prize (1963), Vazhenkata Kunchu Nair Award, V.S. Sarma Endowment, Alappuzha District Kathakali Club Award, S.B.T. Arya Circle Award, Natyathilakam (1994), Veerasrunkhala (1994), Kerala Kalamandalam Fellowship (2011).