Subramanian (Madambi Subramanian Nambudiri)

🪔 About

Madambi Subramanian Namboodiri is a highly respected Kathakali musician from Kerala, India, renowned for his steadfast adherence to the traditional purity of Kathakali music. Born on June 15, 1943, in Sreekrishnapuram, Palakkad district, to Sankaran Namboodiri and Sridevi Antharjanam, he embarked on his musical journey at a young age. He initially studied music at Poomully Manai, where his teachers included Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, Kongorpilli, and Ramankutty Warrier. In 1957, he joined Kerala Kalamandalam to specialize in Kathakali music, receiving rigorous training from esteemed gurus such as Kalamandalam Neelakantan Nambeesan, Kalamandalam Sivaraman Nair, and Kavungal Madhava Panicker. He also pursued Carnatic music studies under Kongorppilli Parameswaran Namboodiri. After completing his education, Namboodiri served briefly as a trainee-instructor at Perur Gandhi Seva Sadanam. He then joined Kerala Kalamandalam in 1968 as a Kathakali music instructor, a position he held until his retirement in 1998. Even after retirement, his dedication to the art form continued, and he returned to Kalamandalam as a Visiting Professor of Kathakali Music, serving until 2024. Throughout his illustrious career, Madambi Subramanian Namboodiri has been celebrated for his commitment to preserving the distinctive character of Kathakali music, often resisting modern experimental trends. His performances have garnered critical acclaim, and he has toured extensively, sharing his art across India and internationally in countries like the USA, Japan, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. His significant contributions to Kathakali music have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. These include the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2017, the Kerala State Kathakali Award in 2018, and the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award in 2010. He also received the Kerala Kalamandalam Award (2010), the Kalamandalam Neelakandan Nambeesan Award (2012), the Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair Memorial Award (2016), and the Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon Smaraka Puraskaram. In 2022, he was honored with the Kerala Kalamandalam Fellowship, and in 2025, he received the TTK Award from The Music Academy. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2017), Kerala State Kathakali Award (2018), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (2010), Kerala Kalamandalam Award (2010), Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon Smaraka Puraskaram, Kalamandalam Neelakandan Nambeesan Award (2012), Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair Memorial Award (2016), Kerala Kalamandalam Fellowship (2022), TTK Award (2025).