Krishnankutty Poduval

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval (1924-1992) was a legendary figure in Indian classical dance, renowned for his mastery and innovative approach to Kathakali percussion, particularly the chenda. Born on May 28, 1924, at Vellinezhi Kavil Poduvatil in Palakkad district, Kerala, he was the son of Thelakkattu Madhavan Namboothiri and Pappi (Parvathi Poduvalsyar). Poduval began his chenda training at the age of seven under his maternal uncle, Govinda Poduval, from whom he also learned the edakka. He joined Kerala Kalamandalam in 1940, where he further honed his skills under esteemed gurus such as Chithali Appu Marar (chenda) and Maddalacharya Venkicha Swami (maddalam). His mentors also included Pattikkamthodi Ramunni Menon and Moothaman Kesavan Namboothiri. Krishnankutty Poduval redefined the aesthetics of chenda playing, transforming its role as an audio accompaniment for Kathakali. He was credited with skillfully providing rhythmic support to emotional scenes on the Kathakali stage and re-interpreting the instrument's function. His holistic understanding of Kathakali allowed him to seamlessly integrate music with every visual nuance of the performance. Beyond his percussion prowess, Poduval was a versatile artist, excelling as a maddalam player, a gifted musician, an actor who performed various roles, and a playwright. He authored several aattakkathas (Kathakali plays), including "Bhishma Pratignya," "Mriga Sevanacharitam," "Amba," "King Lear," "Snapakacharitham," and "Ashtapadiyattom." He also directed Mahakavi Vallathol's "Amba" as a Kathakali play. Poduval became a teacher at Kerala Kalamandalam after completing his studies, eventually being appointed as a professor in 1978 and retiring in 1986. During periods of disagreement with the Kalamandalam administration, he also worked with the Gandhi Seva Sadan Kathakali Akademi. He, along with Kalamandalam Raman Kutty Nair and Kalamandalam Appu Kutty Poduval, formed the celebrated trio known as 'Kuttitrayam.' Krishnankutty Poduval was also a respected writer and scholar, lecturing authoritatively on Kathakali and Kerala's traditional arts. He founded Kalasagar, an institution dedicated to promoting and propagating traditional art forms. He passed away on October 14, 1992, in an Ernakulam hospital due to an acute liver problem. Awards & Honours: Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (1971), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship (1986), Awards and Fellowships.