Sivan Namboodri A M

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Sivan Namboodiri is a highly acclaimed Indian classical theatre performer, renowned for his mastery of Koodiyattam, an ancient Sanskrit theatre form from Kerala. Born to Ammankottu Manakkal Madhavan Namboodiri and Devaki Antharjanam, he made history as the first person from outside the Chakyar community to learn and perform Koodiyattam, breaking centuries-old caste restrictions. Although he initially aspired to learn Kathakali, he was admitted to the Koodiyattam course at Kerala Kalamandalam in 1965, becoming one of its first students in the institutionalized training system, a departure from the traditional gurukula method. Under the tutelage of his guru, Painkulam Rama Chakyar, Sivan Namboodiri underwent rigorous training, completing a six-year diploma, a two-year post-graduate course, and an advanced scholarship course from the Department of Culture, Government of India. He joined Kerala Kalamandalam as an instructor in the Koodiyattam faculty in 1975, where he taught for three decades until his retirement in 2005. He has also served as a visiting professor at the University of Calicut's School of Drama since 1980. Sivan Namboodiri is celebrated for his iconic portrayals of characters such as Ravana in "Thoranaydham" and "Jatayuvad-ham," Bali in "Balivadham," Arjuna in "Subadradhananjayam," and the saint in "Bhagavatjukeeyam". His performance before a UNESCO jury in Paris, featuring "Kailasoddhaaranam" and "Parvathiviraham," was instrumental in Koodiyattam's inclusion in UNESCO's Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. He has performed extensively internationally, including at the Cologne Festival in Germany in 1980, and in France, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, and the United States. He is also credited with being the first male to perform Nangyar Koothu and for introducing innovations in Koodiyattam costumes and music. In August 2025, he announced his retirement from stage performances due to health reasons, but continues to offer guidance and lecture-demonstrations. Awards & Honours: Padma Shri (2012), Gold Medal for Best Koodiyattam Artist, Kerala Sangeetha Naataka Academy Award, Naatya Kalaa Ratnam, Gold Medal, Mrinalini Sarabhai Award, Certificate of Appreciation.