Kalamandalam C Gopalakrishnan

🪔 About

Kalamandalam C Gopalakrishnan is a distinguished Indian classical dance figure, renowned for his mastery in Kathakali. Born in 1967, he is the grandson of the acclaimed Malayalam poet P. Kunchiraman Nair and the son of freedom fighter P. Shankaran Nair. Gopalakrishnan received his foundational training at the prestigious Kerala Kalamandalam, where he completed a six-year course in Kathakali. During his studies, he was awarded a scholarship by the Department of Culture, Government of India. He had the privilege of learning under eminent gurus such as Padmabhushan Shri Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair, Padmasree Shri Kalamandalam Gopi, M.P.S. Namboodiri, and Vijayan asan. His career as a performer spans over three decades, with more than 800 stage performances across India and internationally. He has showcased his art in countries including Italy, Germany, Russia, Poland, Japan, China, France, Spain, Belgium, and Australia, where he performed at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in 2006. An A-grade artiste of Doordarshan, Gopalakrishnan is particularly skilled in portraying various Kathakali characters, including "Pacha," "Kathi," "Thadi," "Vellathadi," and "Minukku" roles. Beyond performing, Gopalakrishnan is a respected teacher and choreographer. He has taught Kathakali for over 30 years at Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya in Mumbai and has also imparted training in Kathakali and Mohiniattam at Kalakshethram, Dombivli, for 28 and 8 years respectively (as of 2014). He serves as the Director of the Kathakali School in Cheruthuruthy, Kerala, an institution he helped establish in 1990. As a nattuvangam artist, he has accompanied Dr. Kanak Rele in her choreographic ventures and performances, and has provided vocal support for numerous Mohiniattam and Kathakali recitals. He has choreographed for several Malayalam films and created dance ballets such as Karuna, Kavya Kairali, St. Francis, and Rishysringan, in addition to choreographing and essaying major roles in productions like Satyavan Savitri, Naranathu Brandhan, and Pritha Vishadam. Awards & Honours: A.D.Bolend Gold Medal (1984), Achutha Varriar award (1984), Vallathol Scholarship (1984), Kummini Vasudevan Namboothiri award (1984), Senior Scholarship – Kathakali (1985), Dr. K.N. Pisharodi Silver Medal (1986), A.D.Bolend Gold Medal (1989), Malayala Kalanilayam Award – Best Kathakali Actor (2009).