Sadanam Balakrishnan

🪔 About

Guru Sadanam Balakrishnan, an eminent Kathakali maestro, was born in 1944 in Taliparamba, North Kerala, India. His profound interest in Kathakali began in childhood, leading him to commence training at the age of eleven while in seventh grade. His initial guru was Kondiveetil Narayanan Nair, under the patronage of Brahmashri Kurumathur Narayanan Namboothiripad, who significantly supported his early artistic journey, including funding his debut performance. Balakrishnan underwent intensive training for ten years at the Gandhi Seva Sadan Kathakali Academy in Perur, Palakkad district, completing an eight-year diploma and a two-year post-diploma with a Central Government Scholarship. During this period, he trained under renowned gurus Thekkinkattil Ramunni Nair and Keezhupadam Kumaran Nair, with the latter being particularly instrumental in his development as an artist and teacher. After his post-graduation, Balakrishnan served as an artist and teacher at institutions like Parassinikkadavu Sree Muthappan Kathakali Yogam and his alma mater, Gandhi Seva Sadanam. In 1974, he joined the International Centre for Kathakali in Delhi as a teacher and performer, eventually taking charge as its Principal and Chief Artiste in 1980, a position he held until his retirement in 2006. He also became the Principal of Perur Gandhi Seva Sadanam in 1980. Balakrishnan is celebrated for his mastery of the Kalluvazhi style of Kathakali and his versatility in portraying various characters. He has significantly enriched the Kathakali repertoire by choreographing and producing over 35 new plays, including adaptations of Shakespeare's "Othello" and "Macbeth," Greek tragedies, and other literary works. His scholarly pursuits include research on Kathakali costumes and headgear, and the preparation of a manual and syllabus for a new Kathakali style, supported by senior fellowships from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. He has authored four books on Kathakali. Guru Sadanam Balakrishnan is widely recognized for his exceptional ability to train and inspire students, and his services are sought by institutions globally for teaching, workshops, and performances. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2003), Parishad Samman (1988), Padma Shri (2024), Kerala State Kathakali Award (2020), Kerala Kalamandalam Fellowship (2017), Kerala Kalamandalam Award (2007), Swathi Thirunal Nadalaya Award (1986), Mookambika Kathakali Vidyalaya Award (2003), Natana Bhaskara Award (2003), Guru Pattikamthodi Smaraka Puraskara (2006), Natyakalaratnam and Gold Medal (2007), Guru Sree Award (2008), Kalamandalam Krishnan Kutty Poduval Smaraka Award (2009), Dr. K.N. Pisharody Smaraka Award (2010), Nritya Sagaram Award (2015).