P.K. Narayanan Nambiar
Kathakali Performer • Teacher
61+
Years of Experience
4+
Students Taught
1
Followers
❖ Guru Parampara ❖
View Full Parampara TreeAbout
P.K. Narayanan Nambiar (May 26, 1927 – November 15, 2023) was a revered Indian classical musician, scholar, and performer, primarily celebrated for his virtuosity in Mizhavu, the principal percussion instrument in Koodiyattam, an ancient Sanskrit theatre tradition from Kerala recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Born in…
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 performance — Debut as Mizhavu artist at Kottakkal Kovilakam Siva temple.
1954
First non-Chakyar Koodiyattam performance outside temple — Played Arjuna in 'Subhadra Dhananjayam' at Lakkidi Kunjan Memorial Library.
1965
Joined Kerala Kalamandalam — Appointed instructor for Mizhavu.
1980
Authored 'Mantrankam' — A book exploring Koodiyattam performance and ritual elements.
1984
Authored 'Sreekrishna Charitam Nangiaramma Koothu' — Published by Kerala Kalamandalam, detailing the revival of Nangiar Koothu.
1988
Retired from Kerala Kalamandalam — Retired as Head of Mizhavu faculty.
1993
Received Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award
2008
Received Padma Shri — Awarded by the Government of India.
2013
Received Kalarathnam Award — Awarded by Kerala Kalamandalam.
2023
Passed away — Died on November 15, 2023, at age 96.
Photo Gallery
Photos will appear here.
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
- 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
- 2013 · Kalarathnam Award — Kerala Kalamandalam
Media Coverage
- The beating heart of temple theatre
The New Indian Express
- Masterly movements and strokes
The Hindu
Dance School
No school linked yet.
Testimonials
Student & peer testimonials will appear here.
Upcoming Workshops
No workshops scheduled yet.
Compiled from public sources and/or self-reported by the artist — not independently verified by NatyaNetwork. Is this you? Claim this profile to manage or correct it. See our Terms.