Kalamandalam Krishnaprasad

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Krishnaprasad is a distinguished Kathakali artist born on January 21, 1963, to K.P. Madhavan Nair and Rugminiamma. He began his initial Kathakali training at the age of twelve under the tutelage of Evur Sankara Pillai and Evur Krishnan Nair. His debut stage performance, known as arangetram, took place at the Evur Sreekrishnaswamy temple, where he portrayed Krishnan in "Gurudakshina" at the age of fourteen. After completing his SSLC, Krishnaprasad joined Kerala Kalamandalam in 1978, where he underwent intensive training for six years, followed by a two-year post-graduation program, which he completed with a first-class distinction in 1986. During his time at Kalamandalam, he received training from eminent gurus such as M.P.S. Nambuthiri, Kalamandalam Vijayan, Kalamandalam Gopi, Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharody, and Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair. He is recognized for his expertise in performing both male and female characters, specifically excelling in "Pacha," "Kathi," "Kari," and "Minukku" roles. Throughout his career, Krishnaprasad has been an active performer, touring extensively within Kerala and internationally, including a visit to France with the Kerala Kalamandalam Kathakali troupe. He has also contributed to the art form as a Kathakali coordinator for Kairali TV's People's Channel and leads his own Kathakali yogam, through which he organizes performances across India. He has also imparted his knowledge to students, fostering the next generation of Kathakali artists. Awards & Honours: M.A. Vellody Medal, Vazhenkada Kunjunair Award, Pallippuram Gopalan Nair Award, Kummini Vasudevan Nambuthiri Award, Guru Chengannur Raman Pillai Smaraka Kalavedi Award.