P.K.G. Nambiar

🪔 About

P.K.G. Nambiar, born P.K. Govindan Nambiar on March 1, 1930, was a celebrated Indian classical artist renowned for his profound contributions to Koodiyattam, Chakyar Koothu, and Padhakam. He was the son and disciple of the legendary Koodiyattam maestro Mani Madhava Chakyar. Nambiar began his illustrious career at the age of 14, making his debut Padhakam performance at the Avittathur Temple near Irinjalakuda in Thrissur. Nambiar was particularly acclaimed for his portrayal of the Vidooshaka (jester) in Koodiyattam, a role he redefined with his exceptional vachikabhinaya (verbal acting) and rasabhinaya (expression of emotions). A polyglot, he mastered Sanskrit, Hindi, Prakrit, Urdu, and English. His chaste Hindi commentary as Vidooshaka played a pivotal role in popularizing Koodiyattam beyond Kerala, making the ancient Sanskrit theatre accessible to audiences across North India and elsewhere. This effort contributed significantly to Koodiyattam's recognition by UNESCO as an 'Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity'. Beyond his performances, P.K.G. Nambiar was a dedicated teacher. He taught *netrabhinaya* (eye expressions) to Kathakali artists, including Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair and others at Kerala Kalamandalam, a contribution that was said to have "given eyes to Kathakali" by investing the form with an extra dimension. He also served as a Hindi teacher for 36 years at NSS High school. As an author, he penned several Prabandhas like Prahlada Charitram, Bhattarakavijayam, and Shakuntalam. He translated his father's seminal work, "Natyakalpadruma," from Malayalam to Hindi and authored a book on Vidooshaka in Hindi, published by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. He also wrote a Malayalam book titled "Vidooshaka Kudiyattatile Narma Sachivan." P.K.G. Nambiar passed away on May 9, 2023, at the age of 93. Awards & Honours: Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (2001), Kendra Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (2005), Senior Fellowship, UNESCO recognition as Koodiyattam guru (2001).