Kalamandalam Raman Namboodri

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Raman Namboodri, born on August 19, 1951, is a distinguished Kathakali Chenda artist from Kerala, India. His early education extended up to the 8th grade, after which he dedicated six and a half years to learning the Chenda, a traditional percussion instrument integral to Kathakali performances. His training in Chenda was under the tutelage of esteemed gurus such as Pallassana Chandra Mannadiyar and Kalamandalam Achunni Poduval. He also received initial training in Chenda drumming from the Thaayambaka exponent Kaanjirangaat Sankunny Marar during his high school years. Subsequently, he joined Kalamandalam to further his training under Appunny Poduval and Chandra Mannadiar. Throughout his career, Namboodri has performed extensively in Kathakali productions across India and internationally, gracing stages in countries including Sweden, Japan, Thailand, Tunisia, Germany, England, and Sri Lanka. He has shared the stage with prominent Kathakali artistes such as Maankulam Vishnu Namboothiri, Kalaamandalam Krishnan Nair, Guru Chengannur Raman Pillai, and Kudamaloor Karunakaran Nair. Beyond his performance career, Kalamandalam Raman Namboodri is also a dedicated educator. He currently serves as a Chenda Teacher at R.L.V Music College in Thripunithura and is an instructor at the Margi Kathakali Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. Awards & Honours: Kottarakkara Thampuran Award, M.S. Namboothiri Smaraka award, Thirunakkara Devaswom Award, Moovattupuzha Kathakali Club Award.