Nelliyode Vasudevan Namboodiri
Kathakali Performer
66+
Years of Experience
1+
Students Taught
1
Followers
About
Nelliyode Vasudevan Namboodiri (1940-2021) was a highly acclaimed Indian Kathakali artiste, renowned primarily for his powerful and vibrant portrayal of the evil 'chuvanna thaadi' (red beard) roles in the classical dance-drama from Kerala, South India. Born on February 5, 1940, in Cheranalloor, Ernakulam district, to Vishnu Namboodiri and Parvathi…
Journey Timeline
1940
Born — Born in Cheranalloor, Ernakulam district, Kerala.
1957
Joined PSV Natyasangham — Began Kathakali training under Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair.
1960
Joined Kerala Kalamandalam staff — Began teaching at Kerala Kalamandalam.
1975
Moved to Thiruvananthapuram — Joined Attakulangara Government Central High School as a Kathakali teacher.
1976
Received 'Natyaratna' title and gold medal — Awarded by Rigatta.
1988
Received Thulaseevana award
1999
Received Kalamandalam Award
2000
Received Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award
2001
Received Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
2013
Received Kerala State Kathakali Prize
2014
Received Kathakali Puraskaram
2017
Received Padma Prabha Award by NCERT
2018
Received Fellowship of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy
2021
Passed away — Died on August 2, 2021, at the age of 81.
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
- 1976 · Rigatta's 'Natyaratna' title and gold medal — Rigatta
- 1988 · Thulaseevana award
- 1999 · Kalamandalam Award
- 2000 · Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award — Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi
- 2001 · Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Central Sangeet Natak Akademi
- 2013 · Kerala State Kathakali Prize — Government of Kerala
- 2014 · Kathakali Puraskaram — Kerala Government
- 2017 · Padma Prabha Award — NCERT
- Thunchan Memorial Award
- Guru Gopinath Kalakendram Award
- 2018 · Fellowship of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy — Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy
- Central Government Fellowship — Central Government
- Onamthuruth temple's 'Natyavisarad' title — Onamthuruth temple
Media Coverage
- Matchless artistry
The Hindu
- Fine improvisation
The Hindu
- In a new role
The Hindu
- An inspired genius in fierce red
Kerala Tourism
- The art of storytelling
The New Indian Express
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Students
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