Prof. Sankarankutty

🪔 About

Prof. T Sankaranarayanan is a distinguished Kathakali exponent and teacher, widely recognized as a doyen of the art form. Born in Manjeri, Malappuram district, Kerala, he embarked on his Kathakali journey at the age of fifteen, joining the prestigious Kerala Kalamandalam in 1955. He underwent rigorous training for six years, completing his course in 1961. His tutelage included instruction from an array of legendary gurus, such as Kalamandalam Padmanabhan Nair, Padma Vibhushan recipient Kalamandalam Raman Kutty Nair, Vazhenkada Kunchan Nair, Kottakkal Krishnan Kutty Nair, and Padma Shri recipient K.R. Kumaran Nair, who served as a significant role model for him. Following his institutional training, Prof. Sankaranarayanan commenced his professional career as a performer with the renowned PSV Natyasangham of Kottakkal Ayurveda Sala. He later established himself as an independent performing artist, showcasing remarkable versatility by excelling in both male and female roles, a distinct and celebrated feature of his unique style. His extensive performance career took him across various states in India, where he performed at the national level, and internationally to countries like Japan and Bangladesh. He performed in Dhaka and Chittagong as part of the Kalamandalam Performing Wing and also conducted a five-day workshop in Dhaka, further spreading the art form globally. Prof. Sankaranarayanan's profound commitment to Kathakali extends significantly to teaching and mentorship. He began imparting his knowledge at the young age of 22 and has maintained a long-standing association with Visva-Bharati, Shantiniketan, in Kolkata since the 1970s, where he continues to educate numerous students in both the practical and theoretical aspects of Kathakali. Beyond traditional Kathakali, his artistic contributions also include choreographing and directing several Tagore dance dramas, often enacting lead roles to critical acclaim, demonstrating his broad artistic range and influence.