VARANASI VISHNU NAMBOOTHIRI

🪔 About

Varanasi Vishnu Namboothiri (January 20, 1937 – January 28, 2020) was a highly esteemed Maddalam exponent, renowned for his profound contributions to Kathakali performances. Born in Mavelikkara, Alappuzha district, Kerala, India, to Narayanan Namboothiri and Draupadi Antharjanam, he was the younger brother of the celebrated Kathakali chenda artist Varanasi Madhavan Namboothiri, with whom he was collectively known as the "Varanasi Brothers." Namboothiri's journey into the world of Maddalam drumming began during his high school years, with initial guidance from Karuvatta Kumarapanikkar and Vennimala Rama Warrier. He received expert training at the prestigious Kerala Kalamandalam under the tutelage of Kalamandalam Appukutty Pothuval and Kalamandalam Nambisankutty. Further refining his artistry, he trained at the Unnai Warrier Memorial Kalanilayam (also known as Unnayi Warrier Smaraka Kalanilayam) under Chalakudy Narayanan Nambisan. He also studied under other notable gurus including Kadavalloor Sankunni Nair, Kalamandalam Narayanan Nair, and Kadavalloor Aravindakshan Nair. His professional debut took place in 1952 at the Mavelikkara Mannur Math Palace Shiva Temple. Over his illustrious career, Namboothiri gained widespread acclaim for accompanying leading Kathakali maestros such as Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair, Chengannur Raman Pillai, Mankulam Vishnu Namboothiri, Kudamalur Karunakaran Nair, Guru Gopinath, Champakulam Pachu Pillai, and Kurichi Kunjan Panicker. He performed extensively across India at various prestigious dance festivals. He briefly ceased performing in 2002 following his brother's demise but returned to the stage in 2012 at the Mavelikkara Kandiyoor temple due to popular demand. Beyond his performances, Namboothiri served as a former board member of both Kerala Kalamandalam and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, contributing to the administrative and artistic development of these institutions. He also held the position of Mel Santhi (head priest) at the Mavelikkara Mannur Math Palace Lord Shiva temple. His significant contributions to Kathakali music were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2014. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2014), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Gurupooja Award (2007), Kerala Kalamandalam Vadya Award (2009), Kalaratnam (Travancore Devaswom Board) (1972), Kalamandalam Hyderali Memorial Award, Asthana Vidwan (Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham), Chennithala Chellappan Pillai Memorial Award, Kalamandalam Padmashree Krishnan Nair Memorial Award, Kalamandalam Appukutty Pothuval Memorial Award, Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Pothuval Memorial Kalasagar Award, Kannur Neelakanthar Memorial Kathakali Award.