Sadanam Ramankutty

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair (born May 25, 1925, in Vellinezhi, Palakkad district, British India; died March 11, 2013, in Vellinezhi, Palakkad district, Kerala, India) was a legendary Indian classical dance figure, renowned for his mastery of Kathakali. He dedicated over seven decades to the art form, becoming a grand and sober presence on its stage. Ramankutty Nair's distinctive style, characterized by poise and precision in body movements, exemplified the heavily stylized Kalluvazhi tradition of Kathakali. He received his training from the legendary guru Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon, who remained his sole teacher throughout his career. Ramankutty Nair further honed his art at Kerala Kalamandalam, where he later served as principal, retiring in 1985. In his later years, he held the esteemed position of chairman at Gandhi Seva Sadan, also known as Sadanam Kathakali Akademi. He remained an active performer until the age of 85, gracing stages across Kerala, the rest of India, and numerous countries worldwide. Ramankutty Nair was particularly celebrated for his portrayal of anti-hero Kathi roles. His well-known characters included Ravana in 'Thoranayudham' and 'Ravanolbhavam', Narakasura in 'Narakasuravadham', Duryodhana in 'Uttaraswayamvaram', Sisupala in 'Rajasooyam', and Hanuman in 'Kalyanasaugandhikam', 'Thoranayudham', and 'Lavanasuravadham'. He also excelled as Keechaka in 'Keechakavadham', Dharmaputra in 'Kirmeeravadham', and Arjuna in 'Kalakeyavadham'. His portrayal of Parasurama in 'Seethaswayamvaram' featured a costume of his own design. He authored an autobiography titled 'Thiranottam', and acclaimed filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan directed an eponymous documentary about him. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1974), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (1985), Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2004), Padma Bhushan (2007), Honorary doctorate (2010), Pattali Kannan Nair Award.