Thekkinkattil Ravunni Nair

🪔 About

Thekkinkattil Ravunni Nair, also known as Thekkinkattil Ramunni Nair, was a highly esteemed Kathakali dancer, teacher, and author from Kerala, India. Born in 1888 in Tachhanattukara village in the present-day Palakkad district of Kerala, he became a pivotal figure in the art form. Ravunni Nair was the first disciple of the legendary Kathakali guru Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon, under whom he trained for 15 to 16 years. His performing career began in 1902 when he joined the Poomulli Mana Kaliyogam. He also performed with other prominent troupes such as Nedumpulli Mana, Modappilappally Mana, and Kumbalath Embranthiri. Ravunni Nair was celebrated for his versatility, excelling in both Pacha (good) and Kathi (negative) characters. He was also renowned for his portrayal of female roles, with his performance as Urvashi receiving widespread critical acclaim. Beyond his prowess as a performer, Ravunni Nair was an accomplished teacher. He began imparting his knowledge of Kathakali in 1947 at Koodallur Mana. Subsequently, he taught at Thootha near Cherpulassery and Ankarath in Palakkad. In 1957, he joined the Gandhi Seva Sadanam Kathakali Academy, commonly known as Sadanam, as a teacher. His teaching legacy includes notable Kathakali artists such as Sadanam Krishnankutty, Sadanam P. V. Balakrishnan, Sadanam Ramankutty, Kalamandalam Gopi, and V. P. Ramakrishnan Nair. Ravunni Nair's contributions extended to the technical aspects of Kathakali; he was an expert in costume making. In 1956, he authored an important book titled "Natya Rachana," which delves into the rasas (facial expressions of emotions) in Kathakali, their nature, and the techniques for their performance. In recognition of his significant contributions to Indian classical dance, Thekkinkattil Ravunni Nair was honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1961 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Government of India. He passed away in 1962 in Karalmanna, Palakkad district. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1961).