FACT Padmanabhan

🪔 About

FACT Padmanabhan, a renowned Kathakali maestro, was born on April 26, 1947, in Thiruvalla, Pattanamthitta District, Kerala, to Narayana Pillai and Madhavi Amma. His journey into Kathakali began at the tender age of eleven, under the tutelage of Thiruvella Raman Pillai and Madhavan Pillai. His arangettam (debut performance) took place at the Thiruvalla temple, where he performed the roles of Rukmini in 'Rukmini Swayamvaram' and Aniruddha in 'Bana Yuddham', establishing himself as a specialist in both Stree Vesham (female characters) and Paccha Vesham (heroic male characters). Padmanabhan further honed his skills at the FACT Kathakali School in Tripunithura from 1965 to 1972, training under esteemed gurus such as Kalamandalam Karunakaran and Kudamaloor Karunakaran Nair. He also received a Central Government scholarship, which enabled him to continue his rigorous training under the legendary Padmasree Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair. Additionally, he studied under Mankompu Sivasankaran Pillai, a notable Kathakali artist of the Kapplingad school. His active performance career has taken him across India and internationally. He toured Iran in 1968 with the Kerala Kalamandalam Troupe, and performed extensively in Europe in 1970, 1974, and 1978, including a notable appearance at the Edinburgh Festival in 1970. He was also invited to the USA in 1974 to promote Kathakali. Known for his expertise in 'Sthree' characters, he performs a wide range of roles, excluding 'Thadi' characters. Beyond performing, Guru FACT Padmanabhan is dedicated to teaching. He imparts training through the Guru Shishya Parampara at his institute, Kathakali Nadan, located in Tripunithura, Ernakulam. He is also an empanelled artist of Doordarshan and serves as a chief Committee member of the Karnataka Text Book Board for Kathakali. He actively participates in various cultural and social organizations, striving to support fellow artists. Awards & Honours: Kollam Kathakali Club Award.