Kalamandalam Sivan Namboodri

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Sivan Namboodri, born in 1950 in Shornur, Palakkad, Kerala, is a distinguished Indian classical theatre performer, renowned for his contributions to Koodiyattam, the ancient Sanskrit theatre art form. He initially joined Kerala Kalamandalam in 1965 at the age of 14 with the intention of learning Kathakali. However, at the behest of Vallathol Narayana Menon, the founder of the institute, and K. N. Pisharody, he transitioned to Koodiyattam, becoming one of the first two students in the inaugural batch of the Koodiyattam department. Namboodri holds the distinction of being the first person from outside the traditional Chakyar community to learn and perform Koodiyattam, an art form historically exclusive to that community. He received rigorous training for approximately ten years under eminent masters such as Painkulam Raman Chakyar, Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair (a Kathakali thespian), and Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval (a Chenda exponent). His training included a six-year diploma, a two-year postgraduate course at Kerala Kalamandalam, and an advanced course in New Delhi supported by a scholarship from the Department of Culture, Government of India. In 1975, Sivan Namboodri joined Kerala Kalamandalam as an instructor in the Faculty of Koodiyattam, where he is currently regarded as a highly experienced teacher. Since 1980, he has also served as a visiting professor at the School of Drama, University of Calicut. His career highlights include performing two acts, Kailasoddhaaranam and Parvathiviraham, before a UNESCO jury in Paris, which contributed to Koodiyattam's recognition as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. He is also credited with being the first male to perform Nangyar Koothu, an art form traditionally performed by women, and for introducing innovations in Koodiyattam costumes and accompanying music. His portrayals of characters like Ravana and Bali are particularly acclaimed. Awards & Honours: Margi Gold Medal for Best Young Koodiyattam Performer (1970), Margi Gold Medal for Best Young Koodiyattam Performer (1971), Margi Gold Medal for Best Young Koodiyattam Performer (1972), Natyakala Ratnam Award (1992), Junior Fellowship (1995), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award for Koodiyattam (1998), Mrinalini Sarabhai Award for Classical Excellence (1999), Certificate of appreciation, Guruvayurappan Award (2009), Padma Shri (2012).