Krishnankutty Varrier

🪔 About

Sadanam Krishnankutty, born in Cherpulassery, Palakkad district, in 1941, is a highly acclaimed Kathakali performer and trainer from Kerala, South India. He is renowned for his versatile portrayal of a wide array of characters in both classical and contemporary Kathakali plays, including brave protagonists in 'pacha vesham' and villainous roles in 'katthi'. Krishnankutty's journey in Kathakali began in 1954 at the Gandhi Seva Sadanam, an institution at Pathiripala in Palakkad. His initial training was under Thekkinkatil Ramunni Nair, and he is a frontline disciple of the late Padma Shri Keezhpadam Kumaran Nair. He also received eye exercise and Rasa-Abhinaya classes from the late Kudiyattam maestro Padma Shri Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar. Throughout his extensive career, spanning over 68 years, Krishnankutty has been lauded for his grandeur on stage and his ability to improvise with 'manodharma'. He has served as a Kathakali tutor at the Unnayi Varrier Smaraka Kalanilayam in Irinjalakuda and Kala Mandir in Patna. Even at the age of 82, he continues to perform, having recently performed in The Hague. He resides in Irinjalakuda town of Thrissur district. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2007), Kerala State Kathakali Award, Kalamandalam Fellowship, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award, Honorary D Litt, Kendra Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship.