Kottakkal Parameswaran Namboothiri

🪔 About

Kottakkal Parameswaran Namboothiri, affectionately known as Kochettan, was a distinguished figure in the realm of Kathakali music. Born on January 31, 1937, in Poovakkulath Kuncharakkattu Mana in Koothattukulam, Kerala, he was the son of Narayanan Namboothiri and Nangeli Antharjanam. His musical journey began with a strong foundation in Carnatic Music, which he learned from eminent gurus such as Chembai Vithyanatha Bhagavathar, Chembil Prabhakaran Nair, Cherthala Narayana Panikkar, and Olappamanna Vasudevan Namboothiripad. At the age of 23, Namboothiri joined the prestigious P.S.V. Natyasangham in Kottakkal, where he delved into the intricacies of Kathakali music under the tutelage of Kottakkal Vasu Nedungadi. After eight years of dedicated study, he continued to refine his art under Kottakkal Gopalakrishna Kurup. His debut stage performance, or "Arangettam," took place within six months of joining the Natyasangham. In 1968, Kottakkal Parameswaran Namboothiri formally joined P.S.V. Natyasangham as a Kathakali Music Teacher, a role he held until his retirement in January 1994. Throughout his career, he graced numerous Kathakali performances across Kerala and even represented the art form internationally, participating in cultural tours to countries like China and North Korea in 1983. He was recognized for his contributions with awards such as the K.N. Pisharody Smaraka Award, the Irinjalakuda K N Pisharody Memorial Kathakali Club Award, and a Gold Medal from the Ramapuram Sreeramaswamy Temple. Beyond his musical prowess, Namboothiri was also a talented painter. He continued to perform even after retirement. He passed away on July 1, 2009, survived by his wife Santha Antharjanam, daughter Jayasree (a musician), and son Jayesh. Among his documented students were his younger brother P D Namboothiri, Narayanan, Pradeep, and Madhu. Awards & Honours: K.N. Pisharody Smaraka Award, Irinjalakuda K N Pisharody Memorial Kathakali Club Award, Gold Medal.