Kottakkal Sashidaran

🪔 About

Kottakkal Sasidharan Nair, often known as Kottakkal Sasidharan, is an internationally renowned Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and teacher, born on May 24, 1951. His foundational training in Indian classical dance began at the age of nine, when he was initiated into Kathakali. He underwent eight years of rigorous training in Kathakali at P.S.V. Natyasangham, Kottakkal, under the tutelage of the esteemed artist Kottakkal Krishnankutty Nair, specializing in "Kathi" characters. Sasidharan Nair further expanded his artistic repertoire by receiving training in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi from the world-renowned Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Mrinalini Sarabhai, the founder-director of Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad. He also delved into Koodiyattam, learning the art form under Kalamandalam Narayana Chakiyar. Since 1973, he has been a dedicated teacher, resident artist, and faculty member at the Darpana Academy. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, he has performed various dance productions across India and in numerous countries including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the USA. He is also a prolific choreographer, notably for the ancient Sanskrit play "Mrichchakatikam." Kottakkal Sasidharan Nair has established his own dancing school, Srushti Foundation, in Ahmedabad, and is the author of the autobiography "Pakarnnattam," released in October 2018. Awards & Honours: Award from Smt. Indira Gandhi, Award from the Maharajah of Bhutan, Best Art Literature Award (2019).