35+
Years of Experience
1
Followers
About
Mattannoor Sankarankutty Marar, born on August 25, 1954, in Mattanur, Kannur district, Kerala, India, is a legendary Indian percussionist renowned for his mastery of the chenda, a traditional Kerala drum. He is celebrated for his expertise in Thayambaka, Panchari melam, and Panchavadyam, and is a significant figure in the percussive accompaniment of…
Journey Timeline
1954
Born — August 25, in Mattanur, Kannur district, Kerala, India
1961
Began playing chenda — Started at the age of seven, learning from his father Kunjikrishnan Marar
1970s
Joined Gandhi Sevasadanam — Began rigorous training in Thayambaka and Kathakali chenda
1991
Began teaching at Vellinezhi Government High School — Shifted to Vellinezhi to teach chenda for the Kathakali course
1996
Received Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award
2004
Received Kerala Kalamandalam Award
2009
Received Padma Shri
2010
Retired from teaching — Retired from Vellinezhi Government High School
2012
Received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
2016
Received Kerala Kalamandalalam Kalacharya Puraskaram
2022
Appointed Chairman of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi — Took charge in November
2026
To be conferred with The Dance India Silver Ghungroo Award — Award ceremony scheduled for April 25
Photo Gallery
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Video Library
Performance videos will appear here.
Signature Performances
Signature repertoire pieces will be showcased here.
Performance Map
A world map of performances will appear here as tours are recorded.
Awards & Honors
- 1996 · Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award — Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi
- 2009 · Padma Shri — Government of India
- 2012 · Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Sangeet Natak Akademi
- 2004 · Kerala Kalamandalam Award — Kerala Kalamandalam
- 2016 · Kerala Kalamandalalam Kalacharya Puraskaram
- 2026 · The Dance India Silver Ghungroo Award — The Dance India Magazine
Media Coverage
- Heir to a proud musical legacy
The Hindu
- When the drums speak
The Hindu
- Resounding success
The Hindu
- Lord of the drum
The New Indian Express
- Academy lec dem on Chenda Melam by Mattanur Sankarankutty Marar
Madras Heritage and Carnatic Music
Dance School
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Students
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Testimonials
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Upcoming Workshops
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