Kalamandalam Ramachandran Unnithan

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Ramachandran Unnithan, a distinguished Kathakali exponent from Kerala, India, was born on March 8, 1951, in Ezhukon Placott House in Kottarakkara, Kollam district, to Vasu Pillai and Gomathiamma. His initial foray into Kathakali began with basic training from Karithra Vasupillai. He pursued formal education in Kathakali at the renowned Kerala Kalamandalam, where he studied from 1962 to 1975. During this period, he earned a 6-year Diploma and a 2-year Post Graduate Diploma. He also continued his training under Vazhenkada Kunju Nair Asan. Unnithan honed his craft under the tutelage of legendary gurus such as Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair, Kalamandalam Gopi, and Sadanam Krishnan Kutty. He is particularly celebrated for his mastery of "Thadi" (red beard) characters, a specialization he embraced upon the advice of his mentor, Sadanam Krishnan Kutty. His repertoire also includes the portrayal of feminine characters. Over his five-decade-long career, Unnithan has captivated audiences with his powerful performances in iconic roles such as Mannan in Lavanasuravadham (Ramayana), Bharata Malayan in Nizhal Kuth (Mahabharata), and Dussasana of Duryodhana Vadham. He had his maiden stage performance at the age of 12, around 1963. Recognized as a master of Kathakali, Unnithan has received numerous accolades for his profound contributions to the art form. Among his most prestigious honors is the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, which he received in 2016, the highest Indian recognition in performing arts. Other significant awards include the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Gurupooja award in 2006, an HRD Fellowship, the Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon Award, and the Kalamandalam Hyderali memorial Kathakali award. He has also been honored with various local awards from cultural organizations like the Kollam Kathakali Club, Kottayam Kaliyarang, Alappuzha Kathakali Club, Alappuzha Kalakshetram, and Bombay Keli. His biography, titled "Kachaiyum Mizhukkum," was published in 2015. Unnithan resides in Vettikattiri, Thrissur district, Kerala, India, with his wife Sreekumari and their three children, Abhilash Kannan, Ramya, and Reshmi. He has also dedicated himself to teaching, having trained several foreign students in Kathakali. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2016), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Gurupooja award (2006), HRD Fellowship, Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon Award, Kalamandalam Hyderali memorial Kathakali award, Awards from Kollam Kathakali Club, Awards from Kottayam Kaliyarang, Awards from Alappuzha Kathakali Club, Awards from Alappuzha Kalakshetram, Awards from Bombay Keli.