Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar

🪔 About

Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar, born on January 30, 1981, in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala, is an internationally acclaimed exponent, practitioner, trainer, and choreographer of Koodiyattam, the ancient Sanskrit theatre tradition. He is the grand-nephew of Padma Bhushan Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar, under whom he received extensive training for fifteen years at the Ammannur Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam in Irinjalakuda, starting at the age of seven. His other gurus include Ammannur Parameswaran (Kuttan) Chakyar and Ammannur Parameswara Chakyar. He also studied Sanskrit under the late Dr. Painkulam Parameswara Chakyar. Rajaneesh Chakyar holds a science degree, a postgraduate degree in computer applications and Koodiyattam, and an M.Phil in Koodiyattam, and is currently pursuing research in Koodiyattam at Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University. He made his arangetram (debut) in Koodiyattam at the Koodalmanickyam Temple in Irinjalakuda in 1991. Throughout his career, Rajaneesh Chakyar has performed widely in national and international festivals, both solo and alongside Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar. His notable roles include Ashwatthama in Urubhangam, Kali in Nala-Damayanthi, Ravana in Thoranayudham, Parasurāma in Parasurāmavijayam (which he also directed), Bali and Sugreeva in Balivadham, Ravana and Jatayu in Jatayuvadham, and various Vidūshaka roles. He is also known for his performances in new productions like Vikramorvaseeyam and Chakyar Koothu. He initiated 'Madhavamathrugramam' in memory of Ammannur Madhava Chakyar and has ventured into direction with "Gajendramoksham" and Bhasa's "Madhyamavyayogam". He is a faculty member and actor at the Ammannur Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam. Awards & Honours: First Prize winner in Koodiyattam competition (1994), First Prize winner in Koodiyattam competition (1996), Junior Research Fellowship, Young Talent Artist Award.