Sadanam Gopalakrishnan

🪔 About

Sadanam Gopalakrishnan, a distinguished Kathakali artist, was born in Manganam, Kerala. His journey into the world of Kathakali began at the age of 11, when he received his initial training under Rama Pisharody at the Narasimhaswamy temple. In 1963, he enrolled in the Unnayi Warrier Smaraka Kalanilayam in Irinjalakuda, where he underwent six years of rigorous training. His gurus at Kalanilayam included eminent figures such as Pallipuram Gopalan Nair, Kalamandalam Kuttan, and Kalanilayam Raghavan. He also had the privilege of learning briefly from celebrated performers like Kottakal Sivaraman and Sadanam Krishnankutty. Gopalakrishnan further pursued advanced Kathakali training at Kalanilayam after 1972. He debuted as Arjunan in the traditional "Santanagoplam" play at a young age. Throughout his career, which spans over 55 years, he has performed alongside legendary Kathakali artists, including Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair, Chengannur Raman Pillai, and Kalamandalam Gopi. While specializing in female roles (Sthree Vesham), he has also been acclaimed for his performances in male characters. Sadanam Gopalakrishnan served as a junior teacher at Kalanilayam, a role he held for over 23 years, starting around 1969 and continuing after his re-induction in 1979, until his dismissal in September 2003. He has been cast in new Kathakali projects by Sadanam K Harikumaran. Awards & Honours: Pattikkamthodi Puraskaram (2013), Kalacharya Award.