Sasidharan K

🪔 About

Kottakkal Sasidharan, also known as Kottakkal Sasidharan Nair, is an internationally renowned Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and teacher, born on May 24, 1951. His foundational training in Indian classical dance began at the age of nine when he was initiated into Kathakali at P.S.V. Natyasangham, Kottakkal, where he underwent eight years of rigorous training under the tutelage of the famous artist Kottakkal Krishnankutty Nair. Sasidharan later expanded his artistic repertoire by receiving training in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi from the world-renowned Dr. Mrinalini Sarabhai, founder and director of Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad. He also mastered Koodiyattam under Kalamandalam Narayana Chakiyar. Since 1973, he has been a teacher, resident artist, and faculty member at Darpana Academy. Sasidharan is particularly known among Kathakali aficionados for his innovative approach, including capturing the life of Jesus Christ through Kathakali attam. He began touring the world in 1971 and became a sought-after Kathakali artist abroad, often performing without the traditional makeup and attire to make the art more accessible to international audiences. His autobiography, 'Pakarnnattam,' a two-volume memoir spanning four dance forms and several continents, was released on October 23, 2018. He currently resides in Kottakkal with his wife, after four decades of living outside Kerala. Awards & Honours: Award from Smt. Indira Gandhi, Award from the Maharajah of Bhutan, Best art literature (for 'Pakarnnattam') (2019).