Kottakkal Chandrasekharan

🪔 About

Kottakkal Chandrasekharan (1945-2019) was a distinguished Kathakali maestro from Kerala, India, celebrated for his masterful portrayal of both virtuous 'pachcha' and anti-heroic 'kathi' roles. Born on January 15, 1945, in Naduvattam, Palakkad district, to A.M. Kumaraswami Bhattathiripad and P.V. Parukkutty Warassiar, his innate talent for Kathakali was recognized early. He began his formal training in 1957 under the renowned guru Chethalloor Kutta Panickar. Following his arangettam as Lord Krishna in the play 'Duryodhanavadham', he joined the prestigious P.S.V. Natyasangham in Kottakkal in 1958 or 1959 for intensive training. There, he honed his skills under the tutelage of legendary artists Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair and Kottakkal Krishnankutty Nair, specializing in the Kalluvazhi sampradaya of Kathakali. Chandrasekharan's career at P.S.V. Natyasangham was extensive and impactful. He joined his alma mater as an instructor in 1967, simultaneously building his reputation as a performer and teacher. By 1996, he ascended to the position of Principal and Chief Trainer of the Natyasangham, a role he held until his passing. He was particularly acclaimed for his performances in roles such as Nalan, Bahukan, Bhiman, Arjunan, Ravanan, Duryodhanan, Keechakan, Kama, and Narakasura. His extensive performance career included numerous stages across Kerala, major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore, and international venues in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, China, Korea, Hong Kong, Switzerland, the UK, and the U.S. He also represented India at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi and the Golden Jubilee of India's Independence in Switzerland. Beyond performing and teaching, Chandrasekharan was also a choreographer, composing and directing Kathakali plays like 'Sri Guruvayoorappan', 'Sathyavaan Saavithri', 'Arjjuna Vishaada Vriththam', and 'Drona Charitham', and contributed to publishing academic material on Kathakali. He passed away on September 4, 2019, at the age of 74, leaving behind a significant legacy and a large group of disciples. Awards & Honours: Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2006), Kerala Kalamandalam Award (2007), Kerala Kalamandalam Fellowship (2011), Vazhenkata Kunchu Nair Award (1990), V.S. Sarma Endowment Award (2000), Thulaseevanam Award (1990), Natyathilakam (1994), Veerasrunkhala (1994), Veerasrinkhala (2005), Consolation Prize (1963), Alappuzha District Kathakali Club Award, S.B.T. Arya Circle Award, State Kathakali Award (2015), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award.