Kottakkal Nandakumaran Nair, born in 1948 in Desamangalam, Thrissur district, India, is a distinguished Kathakali dancer renowned for his mastery of various character types. His journey in classical Indian dance began with training in Thullal at Kerala Kalamandalam under Kalamandalam Divakaran Nair and Malabar Kannan Nair. His innate inclination towards classical styles led him to Kathakali, and following the guidance of the late Kathakali legend Padmashree Vazhenkada Kunju Nair, he joined P. S. V. Natyasangam of Kottakkal Aryavaidyasala in 1962. He underwent sixteen years of rigorous training under Guru Kottakkal Krishnankutty Nair, which shaped him into a complete Kathakali dancer. Nandakumaran Nair is particularly acclaimed for his portrayal of 'Kathi' veshas (villainous characters) and also demonstrates excellent skill in enacting 'Pacha' (virtuous characters) and 'Minukku' (gentle characters) veshas. He is a panel artist for the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and has performed Kathakali on international stages in numerous countries, including Poland, France, China, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, Brazil, Netherlands, Spain, and Arab Countries. He has also been a sought-after resource person and demonstrator, conducting workshops and delivering lectures at institutions worldwide, including Warsaw University, Lordz University, Rio de Janeiro University, and Moscow University, as well as various universities, colleges, and schools across India. Nandakumaran Nair is currently the Chief Instructor at Chuduvalathur Janabheri Kathakali Kendram in Shornur and serves as a Guest Faculty at Salabhanjika Studio for Arts and Performance in Thrissur. He is known for his commitment to the visual dynamics of Kathakali and his quest for knowledge related to its opulent literature, steadfastly adhering to the art form's chiselled vocabulary while infusing fresh vigour into iconic characters. Awards & Honours: Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award (2010), Senior Fellowship, Kerala Kalamandalam Best Kathakali Artist Award (2016), Mudra Award (Suvarna Mudra Award) (2013), Kalahamsa Puraskaram (2008), Pattikkamthodi Smaraka Award (2012), Veerasringala (2008), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2019).

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