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Years of Experience
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About
Paanivadathilakan P. K. Narayanan Nambiar (1927–2023) was a revered Indian classical musician, scholar, and performer, widely recognized for his profound mastery of the Mizhavu, the principal percussion instrument in Koodiyattam, the ancient Sanskrit theatre tradition of Kerala. Born on May 26, 1927, in Killikurissimangalam, Palakkad, Kerala, he hailed from…
Journey Timeline
1927
Born — Born in Killikurissimangalam, Palakkad, Kerala, British Raj.
1939
Initiated into Koodiyattam — Began training at age 12.
1948
Debut Performance and First Mizhavu Thayambaka — At Kottakkal Kovilakam Siva temple, Malappuram.
1954
First non-Chakyar Koodiyattam actor — Performed Arjuna in Subradhananjayam outside a temple.
1966
Joined Kerala Kalamandalam — Appointed as Guru of Mizhavu.
1980
Authored Mantrankam
1984
Contributed to Sreekrishna Charitam Nangiaramma Koothu
1988
Retired from Kerala Kalamandalam
1993
Received Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award
2008
Awarded Padmashri — One of India's highest civilian awards.
2023
Died — Passed away at the age of 96 in Palakkad, Kerala, India.
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
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Awards & Honors
- 2008 · Padmashri — Government of India
- 1993 · Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award — Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi
- Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Sangeet Natak Akademi
- Nritha Natya Puraskaram — Kerala State Government
- Fellowship — Kalamandalam
Media Coverage
- Masterly movements and strokes
The Hindu
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