Mankompu Sivasankara Pillai

🪔 About

Mankompu Sivasankara Pillai (1922 – March 20, 2014) was a distinguished Kathakali artist from Kerala, India, renowned for his mastery of the classical dance-drama's southern style, particularly the Kaplingatu school. Born in Mankompu, Alappuzha district, Pillai began his Kathakali training at the age of 13 under Kalarkode Kuttappa Panikkar. He further honed his skills under several eminent gurus, including Thakazhi Ayyappan Pillai and Thottam Sankaran Namboodiri, from whom he learned female characters. His most cherished guru was Chengannur Raman Pillai, under whom he specialized in 'pachcha' (virtuous protagonist) roles and toured for seven years. He also received lessons in Kathakali literature and Rasabhinaya from Pannisseril Nanu Pillai. Pillai debuted on stage as Lalita in 'Putana moksham' in 1938 or 1939 at the Mankompu Devi temple. His early career saw him as a palace dancer for the Travancore royal family in the early 1940s. From 1948, he performed internationally with Mrinalini Sarabhai's troupe, touring Europe and South America. He was particularly noted for his consummate depiction of 'pachcha', 'kathi' (anti-heroic), and 'minukku' (gentle, refined) roles, and in his earlier phase, he dominated female characters such as Damayanti, Panchali, Mohini, and Devayani. A significant part of his career was dedicated to teaching. In 1966, Pillai joined Kerala Kalamandalam as a teacher, imparting the Chengannur tradition of Kathakali. He retired in 1983 or 1984 but continued as a visiting professor. He co-authored the book "Kathakali Swaroopam" with his brother C.K. Sivarama Pillai in 2006, and also contributed to "Kathakali Pravesika," an ancient work on the art form. His performances were characterized by perfection in dress, rhythmic movements, a wide range of 'bhavas' (expressions), and adherence to the characterization prescribed by Raman Pillai. Throughout his illustrious career, Mankompu Sivasankara Pillai received numerous accolades. He was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Kathakali in 1985 and the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award in 1989. Other honors include the Best Artiste Award of Kerala Kalamandalam in 1984, the Kerala Kalamandalam Fellowship, a State Government Award, and the Gurupooja Puraskaram from the Central Sangeet Natak Academy. In 2012, he was presented with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Tagore Ratna, a special one-time award commemorating Rabindranath Tagore's 150th birth anniversary. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1985), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (1989), Best Artiste Award of Kerala Kalamandalam (1984), Sangeet Natak Akademi Tagore Ratna (2012), Kerala Kalamandalam Fellowship, State Government Award, Gurupooja Puraskaram from the Central Sangeet Natak Academy, Chennithala Chellappan Pillai Award.