Kottakkal Sasidharan Nair

🪔 About

Kottakkal Sasidharan Nair is an internationally renowned Indian classical dancer and Kathakali artist, born on May 24, 1951. His parents were the late P. Sankunni Nair and Janaki Amma. He received his initial Kathakali training for eight years at P.S.V. Natyasangham, Kottakkal, under the tutelage of the esteemed artist Kottakkal Krishnankutty Nair, where he specialized in "Kathi" characters. His artistic journey expanded significantly when he pursued further training in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi under the world-renowned Padma Bhushan recipient Dr. Mrinalini Sarabhai, the founder-Director of Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad. He also delved into Koodiyattam, learning from Kalamandalam Narayana Chakiyar. Since 1973, Kottakkal Sasidharan Nair has been a dedicated teacher, resident artist, and faculty member at the Darpana Academy. Over more than two decades, he has built a distinguished career as a performer, choreographer, and educator, residing and working in Ahmedabad, India. He has choreographed notable productions, including the ancient Sanskrit play "Mrichchakatikam" and Kalidasa's "Abhignana Sakuntala." His performances have graced stages across India and numerous countries worldwide, including Australia, Canada, China, Cuba, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, the UK, the erstwhile USSR, and the USA. He has also been featured on Doordarshan and German Television. Kottakkal Sasidharan Nair has received awards from prominent figures such as Smt. Indira Gandhi and the Maharajah of Bhutan. He has established his own dancing school, Srushti Foundation, in Ahmedabad. In 2018, his comprehensive two-volume, 1200-page autobiography titled "Pakarnnattam" was released. Awards & Honours: Award, Award.