Pothiyil Renjith Chakyar

🪔 About

Pothiyil Renjith Chakyar was born on March 28, 1980, into the Pothiyil family of Chakyars. He began his journey in Kutiyattam at the age of 12, initiated by the revered Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar. His arangetram, or debut performance, took place at the age of 14 at the Vadakkumnathan temple Koothambalam. Renjith Chakyar's extensive training was primarily under the tutelage of Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar, Parameswara Chakyar, and Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar at the Ammannur Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam. During his training, he received a scholarship from the Sangeet Natak Academy. He also delved into Sanskrit studies under the late Dr. Painkulam Parameswara Chakyar. Renjith Chakyar is a graduate and currently serves as a professional artist at the Ammannur Gurukulam. Throughout his career, he has portrayed significant roles in numerous Kutiyattam productions. These include Kalyanasaugandhikam, Jatayuvadham, Hanumadootam, Thoranayudham, Samudrataranam, Parnasalamkam, Soorpanakhamkam, and Asokavanikamkam, many of which were directed by Guru Ammannur. He has also performed in Sakuntalam, directed by G. Venu, and Mayasirass and Prathamadviteeyamkam by Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar. Additionally, he has been involved in the production of Naganandam. Renjith Chakyar regularly performs key roles in Kutiyattam and is also a practitioner of Chakyar Koothu. He performs annually at prominent temples in Kerala, such as the Vadakkumnathan Koothambalam and Guruvayoor Koothambalam. His performances have reached audiences both nationally and internationally, as he has toured extensively with the Ammannur Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam and Natankairali, participating in various festivals. He has also presented solo performances and was a participant in the Abhinaya Kalari (acting laboratory) organized by Natanakairali and Sanskriti Pravah.