Padmanabhan Nair

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Padmanabhan Nair (1928–2007) was a highly esteemed Kathakali exponent from Kerala, India, recognized for his contributions as a tutor, theoretician, and author of significant texts on the classical dance-drama. Born on October 7, 1928, in Kuruvattoor, Palakkad district, he was the son of the legendary Kathakali guru Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon. Padmanabhan Nair began his Kathakali training at the age of ten under his father at Kerala Kalamandalam. He also pursued Kathakali studies at the PSV Natyasangham, Kottakkal, before joining Kerala Kalamandalam as a teacher in 1951, a position offered by poet laureate Vallathol Narayana Menon. He served the institution for 38 years, eventually retiring as its principal in 1989 or 1990. Padmanabhan Nair was known for his profound knowledge of Kathakali grammar and technique, particularly upholding the traditional Kalluvazhi school of Kathakali. He was often described as the "last word in Kathakali grammar" due to his in-depth understanding of the art's technical and aesthetic elements. He performed various roles, including technically demanding 'paccha' heroes, 'kathi' antagonists like Ravana and Duryodhana, Brahmins, sages, and the swan. His portrayal of Srikrishnan in 'Subhadraharanam' marked his debut stage performance. He was married to Kalamandalam Satyabhama (1937–2015), an eminent Mohiniyattam exponent and guru, who also served as the former Principal of Kerala Kalamandalam. Padmanabhan Nair passed away on April 3, 2007, at his home in Shoranur, near his alma mater. Awards & Honours: Kalamandalam Award for Kathakali (1979), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (1991), Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1994), Odakkuzhal Award for Malayalam literature (2004), Kathakali Purasakaram (2006).