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Years of Experience
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About
Paanivadathilakan P. K. Narayanan Nambiar (born May 26, 1927, in Killikurissimangalam, Palakkad, Kerala, British Raj; died November 15, 2023, in Palakkad, Kerala, India) was a revered Indian musician, scholar, and master of Koodiyattam and the traditional percussion instrument Mizhavu. He was the son of the legendary Koodiyattam maestro Mani Madhava Chakyar…
Journey Timeline
1927
Born — Born in Killikurissimangalam, Palakkad, Kerala.
1939
Initiated into Koodiyattam — Began accompanying his father to temple performances at age 12.
1948
Debut (Mizhavu Thayambaka) — First performance at Kottakkal Kovilakam Siva temple.
1954
Debut as Koodiyattam actor — Played Arjuna in Subradhananjayam at Lakkidi Kunjan Memorial Library, first non-Chakyar performance outside temple.
1966
Joined Kerala Kalamandalam — Appointed as Guru of Mizhavu.
1980
Authored 'Mantrankam' — Book exploring Koodiyattam performance and ritual elements.
1984
Contributed to 'Sreekrishna Charitam Nangiaramma Koothu' — Published by Kerala Kalamandalam, detailing revival of Nangiar Koothu.
1988
Retired from Kerala Kalamandalam — Served until his retirement.
1993
Received Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award
2005
Authored 'Mizhavu – Nampyarude Kramadipika' — Malayalam-language text on Mizhavu playing techniques.
2008
Awarded Padma Shri — By Government of India for services to art.
2023
Died — Passed away on November 15, 2023, at age 96.
Photo Gallery
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
Signature repertoire pieces will be showcased here.
Performance Map
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Awards & Honors
- 2008 · Padmashri — Government of India
- Fellowship — Kalamandalam
- 1993 · Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award — Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi
- Nritha Natya Puraskaram — Kerala State Government
- Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Sangeet Natak Akademi
Media Coverage
- Masterly movements and strokes
The Hindu
- The beating heart of temple theatre
The New Indian Express
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