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Years of Experience
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About
Guru Kunju Kurup (1881–1970) was a pioneering Kathakali artist, performer, and guru from Thakazhi village in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. He is widely recognized as one of the most significant figures in the history of Kathakali, instrumental in its 20th-century revival and institutionalization. Initiated into Kathakali at the age of 13 by his…
Journey Timeline
1881
Born in Thakazhi, Alappuzha district, Kerala
1893
Debut performance — At the age of 12
1894
Initiated into Kathakali — At the age of 13 by his uncles Kochappi Panikker and Rama Panikker
1910
Married a relative of Palayil Karunakara Menon — Strengthening his ties with central Kerala
1914
Taught Kathakali in Madras (Chennai)
1930s
Appointed as a tutor at Kerala Kalamandalam — At the invitation of Vallathol Narayana Menon
1943
Taught Kathakali in Bangalore
1948–1952
Taught at Chembakassery Natana Kalamandalam — In Ambalappuzha
1956
Received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — For Kathakali
1965
Received Padma Shri
1967
Elected Fellow of the Sangeet Natak Akademi
1970
Died
1971
Awarded Padma Bhushan — Posthumously
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
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Performance Map
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Awards & Honors
- 1956 · Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Sangeet Natak Akademi
- 1967 · Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship — Sangeet Natak Akademi
- 1965 · Padma Shri — Government of India
- 1971 · Padma Bhushan — Government of India
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