Pathiyoor Shankaran Kutty

🪔 About

Pathiyoor Sankarankutty, born on December 30, 1964, in Keerikad, Kayamkulam, Alappuzha district, Kerala, India, is a highly acclaimed Kathakali musician and exponent of Kathakali sangeetham. He is the fourth child of Mathiltheketil Krishna Pillai, who was also a Kathakali singer, and Mazhupeil Lakshmikuttyamma. Initially, Sankarankutty showed an interest in Kathakali acting, making his debut as Sri Krishna in 'Gurudakshina' at the Avur Sri Krishna Swamy Temple in 1978. He performed several child roles in Kathakali programs during his early years. Despite his father's initial reluctance for him to pursue Kathakali music, Sankarankutty's passion led him to formal training. He completed a Ganabhushanam diploma from RLV College of Music and Fine Arts and further studied Kathakali music at Kerala Kalamandalam. His gurus at Kalamandalam included notable artists such as Madambi Subramanian Namboodiri, Kalamandalam Ramawaryar, and Kalamandalam Gangadharan, who encouraged him to focus on Kathakali music. He is also a disciple of the renowned Kathakali singer Kalamandalam Hyderali, who significantly influenced his career. Sankarankutty's career as a Kathakali musician has seen him perform extensively across India and internationally in countries like Spain, Brazil, the Netherlands, Germany, and France. He is particularly known for his long-standing association as an accompanying singer for the performances of legendary Kathakali artist Kalamandalam Gopi for nearly twenty-five years. He began his teaching career in 1990 as a music teacher in Pakalkuri near Kottarakkara and has been working as a music teacher at Sandarshan Kathakali Vidyalaya, Ambalapuzha, since 2003. His unique style blends traditional Kerala music with Carnatic and folk elements, creating a rich and evocative musical experience for audiences. Awards & Honours: Kerala Kalamandalam Award (2009), Chennithala Chellappan Pillai Puraskaram (2017), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (2018), The Pannissery Award (2021).