Kalamandalam Arun Warrier

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Arun B. Warrier is a distinguished Indian classical dancer and exponent of Kathakali, born on October 25, 1983, in Kuthanur, Kerala. His foundational training in Kathakali commenced at the prestigious Kerala Kalamandalam, a premier institution for traditional performing arts. Under the guidance of revered gurus including Kalamandalam Kesavan Namboodiri, Kalamandalam Krishnakumar, and Kalamandalam Balasubrahmanian, he honed his his skills in this intricate dance-drama form. Further solidifying his expertise, he pursued higher education in performing arts, earning both a Masters and an M. Phil Degree from Kerala Kalamandalam. Warrier has established himself as a prominent performer, captivating audiences with his extensive presentations both within India and at various international dance festivals. He is particularly recognized for his mastery in portraying diverse Kathakali characters, excelling in both the noble 'Pachha' and the anti-heroic 'Kathi' Vesham roles. His artistic contributions extend to choreography, where he has conceptualized and staged numerous new Kathakali plays, presenting them on national and global platforms. Beyond his performing career, Kalamandalam Arun B. Warrier is a committed educator, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Kathakali artists. He has served as a Kathakali instructor at Kerala Kalamandalam, where he currently holds the position of Assistant Professor in the Kathakali (Vadakkan) department, an appointment he took up on January 18, 2020. His significant contributions to Kathakali have been widely acknowledged through several prestigious awards. These include the Kottakkal Krishnankutty Nair Smaraka Endowment in 2009, the Sri Kunjuettan Smaraka Kathakali Puraskaram from Palakkad in 2011, and the Kerala Kalamandalam Yuva Puraskar in 2014. A notable highlight of his accolades is the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, awarded by the Sangeet Natak Akademi for 2013-2014, recognizing his exceptional talent in the field of Kathakali. Awards & Honours: Kottakkal Krishnankutty Nair Smaraka Endowment (2009), Sri Kunjuettan Smaraka Kathakali Puraskaram (2011), Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (2013), Kerala Kalamandalam Yuva Puraskar (2014).