Kottakkal Nandakumaran Nair

🪔 About

Kottakkal Nandakumaran Nair, born on August 17, 1945, in Desamangalam, Thrissur District, Kerala, is a highly celebrated Kathakali actor and a distinguished exponent of the 'Kalluvazhi Chitta' tradition in Kathakali. His initial training began at the age of ten at Kerala Kalamandalam, where he specialized in Ottan Thullal under the tutelage of Kalamandalam Divakaran Nair and Malabar Kannan Nair. Following this, in 1962, he transitioned to Kathakali, joining the P.S.V. Natyasangam in Kottakkal. There, he underwent rigorous and extensive training for sixteen years under the legendary Guru Kottakkal Krishnankutty Nair, who profoundly shaped his artistic journey. Nandakumaran Nair is particularly renowned for his mastery of 'Kathi' Veshas, while also demonstrating exceptional skill in enacting 'Pacha' and 'Minukku' characters. His career has seen him perform Kathakali extensively both within India and on international stages across Poland, France, China, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, Brazil, Netherlands, Spain, and Arab Countries. These international engagements were facilitated through his enlistment as a panel artist by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Beyond performing, Kottakkal Nandakumaran Nair is a sought-after resource person and demonstrator. He has conducted numerous workshops and lecture-demonstrations on Kathakali at prestigious institutions worldwide, including Warsaw University (Poland), Lordz University (Poland), Rio de Janeiro University (Brazil), and Moscow University (Russia), as well as various universities, colleges, and schools throughout India. He has also created several choreographic works, presenting them at esteemed forums such as the World Theatre International Seminar at Odylo Costa Filho Theatre University in Rio de Janeiro. As an educator, he has significantly contributed to the next generation of Kathakali artists, imparting training and producing many performers. He currently serves as the Chief Instructor at Chuduvalathur Janabheri Kathakali Kendram in Shornur and is a Guest Faculty at Salabhanjika Studio for Arts and Performance in Thrissur. He resides with his family in Shornur, Kerala. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2019), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (2009), Kerala Kalamandalam Award (Best Kathakali Artist) (2016), Senior Fellowship from Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Suvarna Mudra Award (Thrissur Kathakali Club) (2013), Kalahamsa Puraskaram (Ernakulam Kathakali Club) (2008), Pattikkamthodi Smaraka Award (2012), Veerasringala (2008), Bharat Kala Bhaskar (Navaneetham Culturaltrust) (2019).