Kalamandalam Ganeshan

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Ganeshan is a distinguished Kathakali artist hailing from Alappuzha, Kerala, India. He has dedicated over 37 years to the art form as a performer and has been actively teaching Kathakali for more than two decades, commencing his teaching career around 1983. Beyond his performance and teaching roles, Ganeshan is also a recognized researcher and author. He has penned significant Kathakali literature, including 'RAVANAYANAM' and 'Kathakali Enthe ? Engene ?'. His commitment to promoting Kathakali extends to conducting demonstration classes in various schools and colleges. He also oversees 'KELI', a Kathakali theater, and is associated with NATYAKALA, an institution for Classical/Folk/Art Research Center approved by the Government of Kerala. Ganeshan's contributions to Kathakali include the creation of new plays, such as 'Gurudeva Mahatmyam', which is notable for its effort to broaden the art form's appeal to diverse communities by basing it on the life of Sree Narayana Guru. His artistic journey has taken him to numerous countries, where he has performed and showcased Kathakali, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, England, and Greece. Awards & Honours: Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair Smaraka Award for the best student artist (1986), Junior Research Fellowship (1993), Sargaprathibha Award (2000), Kerala Adhyathmika Samskarika Samithi Award (2003), Kalaratna Puraskaram (2005).