Pathiyoor Sankarankutty

🪔 About

Pathiyoor Sankarankutty is a highly acclaimed Kathakali musician from Kerala, India, renowned for his captivating vocal performances and deep understanding of Kathakali music. Born on December 30, 1964, in Keerikad, Kayamkulam, Alappuzha district, he is the son of Mathiltheketil Krishna Pillai, also a Kathakali singer, and Mazhupeil Lakshmikuttyamma. Sankarankutty initially embarked on a path as a Kathakali actor, beginning his training in 'vesham' (acting) at the age of eight under Evoor Parameswaran Nair and Evoor Shankarapilla. He made his Kathakali acting debut in 1978, portraying Sri Krishna in 'Gurudakshina' at the Avur Sri Krishna Swamy Temple. Despite his initial foray into acting, his innate talent for music was recognized by his father, who, after some initial hesitation about the profession's viability, encouraged him to pursue Kathakali music. Sankarankutty earned a Ganabhushanam diploma from RLV College of Music and Fine Arts, Tripunithura, and further honed his skills through a short-term course in Kathakali music at Kerala Kalamandalam. He received tutelage from esteemed gurus such as Madambi Subramanian Namboodiri, Kalamandalam Ramawaryar, Kalamandalam Gangadharan, and most notably, Kalamandalam Hyderali, whom he considers his mentor. He also studied under Kalamandalam Neelakantan Nambeesan and Unnikrishna Kurup, and delved into Carnatic music. Sankarankutty's career as a Kathakali musician spans over four decades. He became a music teacher in Pakalkuri near Kottarakkara in 1990, and since 2003, he has been a music teacher at Sandarshan Kathakali Vidyalaya, Ambalapuzha. He is particularly noted for his long-standing collaboration with veteran Kathakali artiste Kalamandalam Gopi, for whose performances he has provided vocal accompaniment for nearly twenty-five years. His performances extend beyond traditional Kathakali, including non-conventional productions like the Kathakali adaptation of 'Don Quixote', which he performed internationally in countries such as Spain, Brazil, Netherlands, Germany, and France. Sankarankutty is celebrated for his ability to musically enhance a performance without overshadowing the actors, a hallmark of his disciplined and emotionally resonant singing style. Awards & Honours: Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (2018), Kerala Kalamandalam Award (2009), Pannissery Award (2021), Hyderali Smaraka Award.