Kalamandalam Padmanabhan Nair

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Padmanabhan Nair (1928–2007) was an eminent Indian Kathakali exponent, renowned for his multifaceted contributions as a performer, tutor, theoretician, and author. Born on October 7, 1928, in Kuruvattoor, near Vellinezhi in Palakkad district, Kerala, he was the son of the legendary Kathakali guru Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon. Padmanabhan Nair began his Kathakali training at the age of ten under his father at Kerala Kalamandalam, where he learned the art form for over a decade. His debut stage performance was as Srikrishnan in the classical storyplay 'Subhadraharanam'. He also underwent Kathakali studies at the PSV Natyasangham, Kottakkal, for two years. In 1951, Mahakavi Vallathol appointed him as a Kathakali tutor at Kerala Kalamandalam, where he dedicated 38 years of his life. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Principal of Kalamandalam in 1985, a position from which he retired in 1990. Padmanabhan Nair was a leading figure in upholding the traditional Kalamandalam style of Kathakali, perfected by his father. He was often described as the 'last word in Kathakali grammar' due to his profound knowledge and mastery of the art's technical and aesthetic elements. As a performer, he was celebrated for his portrayal of hero characters, particularly those requiring rigid techniques and grammar, such as 'Kathi' roles (Ravana, Duryodhana, Keechaka), the Brahmin in 'Santhanagopalam,' and Hamsa in 'Nalacharitham'. His 'cholliyattam' (demonstration of acting) of stylish characters was filmed by David Bolland in 1985, serving as a valuable document for researchers. Beyond performance and teaching, Padmanabhan Nair was a prolific author. His significant works include the two-volume 'Kathakali Vesham' (1980), a definitive text on Kathakali acting, and 'Cholliyattam' (2000), which delves into the grammar and aesthetics of the Kalluvazhi school of Kathakali. He also co-authored 'Natyachariante Jeevithamudrakal' and wrote 'Attakkatha Saram'. He passed away on April 3, 2007, at his home in Shoranur, Kerala. Awards & Honours: Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1994), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (1991), Kathakali Purasakaram (2006), Odakkuzhal Award (2004), Kalamandalam Award (1979).