Madavoor Vasudevan Nair

🪔 About

Madavoor Vasudevan Nair (1929-2018) was a legendary Indian Kathakali artiste, renowned for his mastery of the Kaplingadan style, also known as the pristine south Kerala-style of the classical dance-drama. Born on April 7, 1929, in Madavoor-Pallickal, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, his family had deep roots in the arts. He began his Kathakali training at the age of ten under Madavoor Parameswaran Pillai, making his debut performance just six months later in the roles of Bhanumathi and Utharan in the play "Utharaswayamvaram". He further honed his skills under Kurichi Kunjan Panicker for a year before becoming a devoted disciple of the legendary Guru Chengannur Raman Pillai, training under him for twelve years in the gurukula system. Nair's professional career began in 1947 when he was appointed as a member of the "Travancore Palace Kathakali Yogam" by the Maharaja of Travancore, where he performed until 1964. His expertise encompassed a wide range of characters, including Kathi, Pacha, Vellathadi, and Minukku roles, with a particular focus on anti-hero Kathi roles such as Ravanan, Duryodhanan, and Keechakan. He also excelled in puranic characters like Hanuman and Hamsam. A dedicated educator, Madavoor Vasudevan Nair served as a faculty member in the Thekkan Kalari (Southern school of Kathakali) at Kerala Kalamandalam for nine years, starting in 1968. Later, he became the Principal of Kalabharathi, a performing arts institute in Pakalkkuri near Kottarakkara, which he founded to preserve and promote the Kaplingadan style. His contributions to Kathakali were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in 2011 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1997. He performed extensively across India and in countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, Fiji, Indonesia, Canada, Australia, Germany, Great Britain, and the United States. Madavoor Vasudevan Nair continued to perform until his last breath, collapsing on stage during a performance as Ravana on February 6, 2018, at the age of 88, in Anchal, Kollam district. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1997), Padma Bhushan (2011), Thulaseevanam Award, Alappuzha Kathakali Club Award, Keraleeya Kalakshetra Award, Guru Chengannur Memorial Award, Kerala Kalamandalam Award, Thapasya Abhinandana Pathram, Kerala State Award for Kathakali.