Kottakkal Krishnankutti Nair

🪔 About

Kottakkal Krishnankutty Nair was a distinguished Indian classical dancer and a revered teacher of Kathakali, particularly known as the Master of the Kalluvazhi (midland) school of Kathakali. Born in 1928 in Vadanamkurussi, near Ottapalam in the Palakkad district of Kerala, he embarked on his artistic journey at the age of 12. After completing his primary education, he joined the P. S. V. Natyasangham in Kottakkal, Malappuram district, to pursue acting. His initial Kathakali guru was Kuthanur Karunakara Panicker, under whom he debuted as Krishna in the play "Subhadraharanam" (Subhadra's Abduction). He further specialized his training under several eminent gurus, including Pattikkantodi Ramunni Menon for four years, Kavalappara Narayanan Nair for two years, and Vazhenkata Kunchu Nair for another four years. Krishnankutty Nair initially performed female roles before transitioning to lead 'paccha' (virtuous) and 'katti' (anti-heroic) characters in significant Kathakali plays such as "Subhadraharanam," "Bakavadham," "Kalyanasaugandhika," "Kirmiravadham," and "Nivatakavacha Kalakeya-vadham." Beyond performing, he was instrumental in reviving Ramanattam and creating new Kathakali plays. His teaching legacy is profound; he became a lead instructor-actor at P. S. V. Natyasangham from 1960 and later served as its principal. He was recognized for his contributions to the art form with the Kerala Kalamandalam Award in 1992. Kottakkal Krishnankutty Nair passed away on March 31, 2009, at the age of 80. Awards & Honours: Kerala Kalamandalam Award (1992).