Narippatta Narayanan Namboodri

🪔 About

Narippatta Narayanan Namboodri, also known as Sadanam Narayanan Namboodiri or simply Narippatta, was a highly renowned Kathakali maestro born in 1947 in Narippatta Mana of Karalmanna, Palakkad district, Kerala. He began his Kathakali training after successfully completing high school. His initial tutelage was under Govindan Bhattathirippad and Chethalloor Kuttappanicker. He then received extensive training at the Sadanam Kathakali Academy under his main guru, the renowned Kathakali Guru Padmasree Keezhpatam Kumaran Nair. He further pursued higher studies with a Government of India Scholarship for two years. Throughout his illustrious career, Narippatta Narayanan Namboodri taught at prestigious institutions such as Sadanam and Kalaamandalam, and later at the School of Drama of the University of Calicut in Thrissur. He was an ardent follower and active proponent of the Kalluvazhi Chitta, a distinct style within Kathakali. His performances were characterized by a magical touch of creative brilliance and masterly precision, excelling in a wide range of characters including Pacha, Kathi, Minukku, and Vellathaadi. He made significant contributions to Kathakali by introducing new mudras for Nalacharitham and developing choreographic methodologies for productions like Darukavadhom, Vamanavatharam, Balidanam, and Bhaktikeerthi. He also collaborated with Jane Pillar on the publication of "Kathakali Plays in English - Translation of popular stories of Kathakali." At the time of his passing, he was reportedly writing a book on Kathakali and organizing a training center in Cheruthuruthy. Namboodri traveled extensively, performing and conducting Kathakali demonstrations and workshops in numerous countries, including Italy, Poland, England, Germany, Finland, France, Dubai, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, South Korea, and Singapore. Beyond the classical stage, he gained wider recognition for playing the titular role of Munshi in the socio-political TV caricature series "Munshi" on Asianet News. He passed away on October 23, 2024, at the age of 77, in Karalmanna, Kerala. He is survived by his wife Leela and three sons, Arun, Narayanan, and Sankar. Awards & Honours: Central Government scholarship, Junior Fellowship, State Government Gold Medal, Gurupuja Award, Kerala Kalamandalam Fellowship.