Vazhenkada Vijayan

🪔 About

Vazhenkada Vijayan (c. 1941 – February 24, 2024) was a distinguished Indian Kathakali master, educator, and academician, renowned for his significant contributions to the preservation and teaching of the Vazhenkada style of Kathakali, a classical dance-drama from Kerala. Born in Vazhenkada village, Malappuram district, Kerala, he was the son and disciple of the acclaimed Kathakali guru, Padma Shri Vazhenkada Kunju Nair. Vijayan commenced his rigorous Kathakali training around 1954 at PSV Natyasangham in Kottakkal, where his father served as his primary guru. He furthered his studies at Kerala Kalamandalam in Cheruthuruthy, completing a decade of intensive training by 1963 under maestros including Ramankutty Nair and Padmanabhan Nair. He also mastered the demanding Kalluvazhi style of Kathakali. Appointed as a teacher at Kerala Kalamandalam in 1971, Vijayan's career was marked by a profound dedication to pedagogy. He rose to become the principal of the institution, a position he held until his retirement in 1996. Though a capable performer, excelling in roles such as virtuous *paccha* protagonists, arrogant *kathi* anti-heroes like Keechaka and Pushkara, and Arjuna in Santanagopalam, he consistently prioritized teaching. His pedagogical approach was characterized by patience and affection, a departure from the harsh methods of his own training. Vijayan was instrumental in upholding his father's innovations in *manodharma* (emotional improvisation) and character-focused enactments, thereby ensuring the transmission of the Vazhenkada and Kalluvazhi styles. He passed away at the age of 83 in his hometown, survived by his wife C. Rajalakshmi and children Shailaja, Sreejala, and Praseed. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2012).