Kunhunni Nair

🪔 About

Guru Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair, also known as Guru Chemancheri, was a revered Indian Kathakali actor and teacher who dedicated over eighty years to learning, teaching, and performing the classical dance form. Born on June 26, 1916, in Cheliya, Kozhikode district, Kerala, he faced early hardships, losing his mother at age three and his father at thirteen. His fascination with drama led him to leave home at 15 to begin Kathakali training. He received his Kathakali education under notable gurus including Karunakara Menon, Ambu Panicker, Katathanad Ramunni Nair, and Matasseri Kochugovindan Nair. Kunhiraman Nair specialized in the Kallatikkotan style of Kathakali, which uniquely balances nritta (pure dance), nritya (expressional component), and natya (dramatic element). Beyond Kathakali, he also pursued Bharatanatyam, studying under Kalamandalam Madhavan Nair, Salem Rajaratnam Pillai, and Balachandra Bhai. Throughout his career, Kunhiraman Nair continued to perform, with his portrayal of Lord Krishna being particularly celebrated. He was also a prolific choreographer, creating numerous dance-dramas. Notably, he collaborated with Guru Gopinath to develop Kerala Natanam, a lighter classical dance form that has since gained government recognition. His commitment to dance education led him to establish institutions such as the Bharateeya Natya Kalalayam in Kannur in 1945, which later opened a branch in Thalassery. In 1983, he founded the Cheliya Kathakali Vidyalayam in his native village of Cheliya. He also founded Pookad Kalalayam in 1979. Guru Chemancheri's profound contributions to Indian classical dance were recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 2017. He passed away on March 15, 2021, at the age of 104, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of Kathakali. Awards & Honours: Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (1979), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship (1999), Kerala Kalamandalam award (2001), Darpanam Natyakulapathi award (2002), Kerala Kalamandalam Visishta Kala Seva Award (2002), Kalaratnam Award (2009), Padma Shri (2017), Mayilpeeli award, Sangeet Natak Akademi Tagore Award.