Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval (1924-1992) was a legendary Indian classical dance figure, renowned as a self-taught maestro of Kathakali percussion, particularly excelling in chenda playing. Born on May 28, 1924, in the village of Vellinezhi in Palakkad district, Kerala, he began his chenda training at the age of seven under his maternal uncle, Govinda Poduval, where he also learned traditional temple percussion forms like thayambaka, keli, kottippadi seva, and pooja kottu. He later received basic training under Chamrankulangara Appu Marar. In 1940, he joined Kerala Kalamandalam, where his gurus included Chithali Appu Marar (chenda), Maddalacharya Venkicha Swami (maddalam), Pattikkamthodi Ramunni Menon, and Moothaman Kesavan Namboothiri. Poduval redefined the aesthetics of chenda playing, transforming its role as an audio accompaniment for the classical dance-drama from Kerala. He was credited with lending nuanced audio support on the chenda to emotional scenes on the Kathakali stage, demonstrating a holistic understanding that integrated music with every visual note. His artistry, often in tandem with maddalam maestro Kalamandalam Appukutty Poduval, earned wide appreciation, and together with Padma Bhushan Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair, they formed the celebrated 'Kuttitrayam' trio. Krishnankutty Poduval was not only a percussionist but also a gifted maddalam player, an actor who performed various roles, and a playwright who authored aattakkathas such as "Bhishma Pratignya," "Mriga Sevanacharitam," "Amba," "Snapakacharitham," and even directed "King Lear" as a Kathakali play. He served as a teacher at Kerala Kalamandalam, where he was appointed as a professor in 1978 and retired in 1986. During periods of disagreement with the Kalamandalam authorities, he also worked with the Gandhi Seva Sadan Kathakali Akademi. Poduval founded Kalasagar, an institution dedicated to promoting his ideals and providing scientific training in traditional art forms. He was also a respected writer and scholar on Kathakali and Kerala's traditional arts. His complete written works were compiled in the book "Melaperukkam," published by Kerala Kalamandalam in May 2008. Krishnankutty Poduval passed away on October 14, 1992. Awards & Honours: Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (1971), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship (1986), Awards and fellowships.