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About
Nambiarath Appunni Tharakan (1928-2025) was a highly respected Indian Kathakali artist from Kerala, renowned for his mastery as an "Uduthukettal" expert and "aniyara" (behind-the-curtains) artist. Born on August 3, 1928, in Mangod near Cherpulassery in the Palakkad district, he dedicated over seven decades to the intricate craft of Kathakali make-up,…
Journey Timeline
1928
Born — Born on August 3, 1928, in Mangod near Cherpulassery in Palakkad district, Kerala.
1942
Began career — Started his career at the Olappamanna Mana at the age of fourteen.
1946
Began independent work — Began working independently as an Uduthukettal expert at the age of eighteen.
1953
Began preparing students for Kerala State School Kalothsavam — Prepared school children for the Kerala State School Kalothsavam for 55 consecutive years since its inception.
1978
Joined Kerala Kalamandalam — Became a permanent employee of the Kerala Kalamandalam at the age of 50.
1984
Retired from Kerala Kalamandalam — Retired from Kerala Kalamandalam.
2020
Received Kerala Kalamandalam Award for Best Kathakali Aniyara Artist — Awarded for his contributions as a Kathakali Aniyara Artist.
2023
Received Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award — Honored for his contributions to Allied Theatre Arts (Kathakali Make-up).
2025
Passed away — Died on January 23, 2025, at the age of 96.
Photo Gallery
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
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Performance Map
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Awards & Honors
- 2023 · Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award — Sangeet Natak Akademi
- 2020 · Kerala Kalamandalam Award for Best Kathakali Aniyara Artist — Kerala Kalamandalam
- Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award — Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi
- Kerala Kalamandalam Mukundaraja Award — Kerala Kalamandalam
- Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair Award
- Veerasrimgala — Mangod desham
- Vellinezhi Olappamanna Mana Special Award — Vellinezhi Olappamanna Mana
- Award from Kozhikode Thodayam — Kozhikode Thodayam
- Honored at the International Kathakali and Koodiyattam Festival — International Kathakali and Koodiyattam Festival in Dubai
Media Coverage
- Appunni Tharakan(1928-2025): The Soul of Kathakali Costumes
India Art Review
- The 'Aniyara' artist of Kathakali
The New Indian Express
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