Parassini Kunhiraman Nair

🪔 About

K. Kunhiraman Nair, popularly known as Parassini Kunhiraman Nair, was a distinguished Indian Kathakali performer and teacher hailing from Kerala. Born on May 3, 1933, in Kayaralam, Kannur district, he dedicated his life to the classical dance form of Kathakali. Nair's journey into Kathakali began in a traditional gurukula regime under the tutelage of Guru Kadathanattu Kochugovindan Nair. After six months of initial training, he made his stage debut as Krishna in the Kathakali performance of Narakasuravadham. He continued his training under Kochugovindan Nair for seven years, subsequently receiving advanced instruction from Kadathanattu Sankaran Nair and Kadathanattu Ravunni Nair. Parassini Kunhiraman Nair was a proponent of the Kadathanadan style of Kathakali. He served as the lead artist in the Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Kathakali Yogam and was a long-time teacher at the Taliparamba Kathakali Sangham. Throughout his career, he performed extensively across various temples in Kerala and other venues nationwide, captivating audiences with his portrayal of significant Kathi and Vellathadi roles, including Hanuman, Keechakan, Narakasuran, Raudra Bheeman, and Ravanan. His profound contributions to Kathakali were recognized with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2015. Parassini Kunhiraman Nair passed away on November 13, 2018, at the age of 85, at his residence in Kolmotta, Anthoor, Kannur district. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2015).