P. K. Kunju Kurup

🪔 About

P. K. Kunju Kurup (also known as Guru Kunju Kurup or Kunchu Kurup) was a legendary Indian classical dancer and guru of Kathakali, born in 1881 in Thakazhi village, Alappuzha district, Kerala, India. He began his rigorous training in Kathakali at the age of 13 under his maternal uncles Kochappi Panikker and Rama Panikker, making his debut performance in 1893. His tutelage continued under renowned gurus such as Mathur Kunhu Pillai Panikker, Champakulam Sankara Pillai, Thottam Sankaran Namboodiri, Vechur Ayyappa Kurup, and Palayil Karunakara Menon. Kunju Kurup was a pivotal figure in the revival and institutionalization of Kathakali in the 20th century. In 1931, he was appointed as a chief preceptor and tutor at the newly established Kerala Kalamandalam, founded by poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, where he played a crucial role in shaping the Kathakali curriculum and training future generations of artists. He also served as a Kathakali guru in Bangalore (1943) and Madras (Chennai, 1914), and at Chembakassery Natana Kalamandalam in Ambalappuzha (1948–52). Renowned for his sublime presentation of *rasa* (aesthetic emotion) and *bhava abhinaya* (facial and gestural portrayal of sentiments), Kunju Kurup introduced fresh aesthetics into Kathakali acting and dancing. He excelled in various roles, including heroic characters like Nala, Hamsam, Rugmangada, Arjuna, and Krishna, as well as *minukku veshams* such as Kuchelan and Brahmanan, and even anti-hero roles like Ravana and Keechaka. He was particularly known for his mastery of *pacha* and *kathi* roles. His contributions also include introducing the enactment of *Rukmangada-charitam* and specific stories from *Nalacharitam*. His work caught the attention of Rabindranath Tagore, which helped popularize Kathakali. A documentary titled "Guru Kunju Kurup - Name to Remember" was made about him in 1970. He passed away in 1970. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1956), Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1967), Padma Shri (1965), Padma Bhushan (1971).