Thiruvattar B Jagadeesan

🪔 About

Thiruvattar B. Jagadeesan is a highly esteemed Indian classical dance figure, renowned for his mastery of Kathakali, an intricate dance-drama from Kerala. He is celebrated for his profound understanding and performance of both the southern and northern styles of Kathakali. Jagadeesan's extensive career includes significant contributions as a performer, teacher, and institutional leader. He served as the Principal and Chief Artist of the International Centre for Kathakali (ICK) in Delhi, a position he assumed in 1980 after several years dedicated to performing and teaching the art form. Following his retirement from this role, he continued his association with the International Kathakali Center as a specialized visiting professor. His academic contributions extend to his tenure as the Dean of M.G. University, an honor bestowed upon him in recognition of his deep knowledge in the field. Jagadeesan's artistic versatility is also evident in his expertise in Ottanthullal and Sabarimala-related Ayyappan pattu, alongside his primary focus on Kathakali. He has graced numerous stages both within India and internationally, captivating audiences with his performances. Notably, he portrayed the despicable Iago in a Kathakali adaptation of Shakespeare's "Othello," a performance that garnered significant applause for his complete immersion in the villainous role and his fast footwork. As a guru, he has guided many students, demonstrating intricate hand gestures (mudra abhinaya), the Nava Rasas, and expressive enactments (vyaṅgya abhinaya) from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Awards & Honours: Senior Fellowship, Kalamandalam Award, Swathi Thirunal Nadalaya Award (1986), Natak Akademi Award (2004), Kerala Kalamandalam Award (2007), Kerala Kalamandalam Fellowship (2017), Kerala State Kathakali award (2020), Natyarathanam Kannan Pattali Kathakali Trust's Natyacharya Award (2021), The Best Dance GURU, Naatya Peroli, Natya Kalaimani, Naatya Sigaram, Natyam Imayam, The Best Choreographer, The Young Achiever.