Mankulam Vishnu Namboothiri

🪔 About

Mankulam Vishnu Namboothiri (1910–1981) was a highly esteemed Indian Kathakali performer, teacher, and scholar, renowned for his contributions to the southern style of Kathakali. Born in 1910 in Mankulam illam in Keerikadu, Kerala, he received his extensive Kathakali training under prominent gurus such as Keerikad Shankara Pillai, Velupillai, Kurichi Kunjan Panicker, Thottam Shankaran Namboothiri, and Chennithala Kochu Pillai Panicker. Namboothiri's career was marked by his versatility and profound artistry. He initially performed female roles like Damayanti, Rambha, and Urvashi, before gaining widespread acclaim for his portrayal of male characters, including Arjuna and Bhima. He excelled in major Pacha roles such as Nala, Karna, Kacha, and Rukmangada, as well as Kathi roles like Keechaka and Ravana. His most iconic performance was that of Krishna, a role he enacted over a thousand times, and according to one source, over 2000 times. He was appointed a first-grade artiste of the Travancore palace troupe in 1933. Beyond his performances across India and in countries like Sri Lanka, Singapore, and the US, Mankulam Vishnu Namboothiri was a dedicated teacher and a driving force behind the revival of the southern Kathakali style. In 1960, he founded the Samastha Kerala Kathakali Vidyalaya in his native village, which later evolved into the prestigious 'Margi' institute in Thiruvananthapuram. His notable disciples include Vellampady Neelakandan Namboothiri, Pandalam Keralavarma, Chirakkal Madhavankutty, Inchakkattu Ramachandran Pillai, and Chavara Parukutty Amma. He also mentored Chandramana Govindan Namboothiri. Namboothiri also contributed to documentary and feature films. He passed away on April 19, 1981, reportedly shortly after performing the role of Krishna. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1970), President's National Award, Gold medal, Kala Ratnam Award, Veerashringhala.