Thonnakkal Peethambaran

🪔 About

Born on December 2, 1939, in Thonnakkal village, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, Thonnakkal Peethambaran is a distinguished Kathakali exponent. His parents were Ayurveda physician Vilayil Ramakrishnan and Thankamma. Peethambaran commenced his Kathakali training under Pirappankode Kunhan Pilla, followed by studies with Oyoor Kochu Govinda Pilla. He then enrolled in R.L.V. Fine Arts College, Thripunithura, where he received extensive training for ten years under eminent gurus such as Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair, Kalamandalam Karunakaran, and Kalamandalam Rajan. His education included a six-year diploma course and an additional two years with a Central Government merit scholarship. Notably, Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair provided him with advanced training at his residence, recognizing Peethambaran's exceptional talent. Peethambaran's illustrious career includes serving as a Kathakali teacher at Jawahar Balabhavan, Kollam. He was the Founder Secretary of the Kollam Kathakali Club and Troupe for 25 years and also served as the President of the All Kerala Kathakali Club, of which he was a founding member. Following the demise of Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair, Peethambaran took over his position at the Kerala Kalalayam Kathakali School. He was also a member of the selection board for Kathakali teachers for the Kerala Public Service Commission in 1981 and is an A-grade artist of Doordarshan Kendram, Thiruvananthapuram. An expert in both "Pacha" and "Kathi" roles, Peethambaran has garnered critical acclaim for his portrayals of characters like Duryodhana, Kichaka, Ravana, Vishwamitra, Parashurama, Nala, Thataka, and Veluthampi Dalava. He has directed and reproduced several Aattakathas, including 'Bhakthi Deepika', 'Gurudeva Charitham', 'Karuna', and 'Veluthampi Dalava'. His performances have taken him to numerous international stages, including Italy, Rome, France, England, Iran, and Spain, and he participated in the renowned Edinburgh Festival. He has authored a book titled "Kathakali Padanam" and is the subject of a documentary film, "Swamiyam Akannoru Udyanatn." Peethambaran also contributed to the administration of Kerala Kalamandalam, serving on its governing council for three years and advocating for its university status. Awards & Honours: Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (2003), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2011), Kerala State Kathakali Award (2014), First Kathakali Shresthacharya Award, Chennithala Chellappan Pillai Award (2012), Acharya Puraskaram (1994), Kottarakkara Thampuran's Award, Kurichi Kunhan Panikkar Award, Mangalam Rama Pisharody Award, Fellowship from Central Cultural Society (2000).