Margi Vijayakumar

🪔 About

Margi Vijayakumar is a highly acclaimed Kathakali artist from Kerala, South India, renowned for his exceptional specialization in female roles, known as "Sthree" (Minukku) characters. Born on May 30, 1960, in Thonnakkal, Thiruvananthapuram district, he began his Kathakali training in 1975 at the prestigious Margi Kathakali School in Thiruvananthapuram, at the age of 15. His initial gurus included Thonnakkal Peethambaran, Inchakkattu Ramachandran Pillai, and Mankulam Vishnu Namboodiri. After this foundational training, he became a disciple of the legendary Padma Shri Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair, who provided him with specialized instruction in the nuances of enacting female characters in Kathakali. Vijayakumar graduated in 1985 and has since captivated audiences globally with his poised and expressive portrayals of mythological heroines. His repertoire includes iconic characters such as Damayanti, Panchali, Mohini, Kunti, Shurpanakha, Hidimbi, Simhika, Nakrathundi, Poothana, and Sita. He is celebrated for his ability to convey the vigor, power, and fragility inherent in these celestial beings. He has performed extensively across India and internationally, including North America, Europe, and Asia, often opposite star dancers like Kalamandalam Gopi. Beyond performing, Vijayakumar has dedicated himself to teaching, serving as a teacher at Margi and later becoming the principal of the Margi Kathakali School around 2014. He also conducts workshops for SPIC MACAY and delivers lectures at various educational institutions. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2023), Kerala Kalamandalam Award (2006), K.V. Kochaniyan Memorial Award, Natya Ratna Puraskaram (2022).