Sadanam Krishnakutty
Kathakali Performer
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About
Sadanam Krishnankutty, born on October 27, 1941, in Cherpulassery, Palakkad district, Kerala, India, is a legendary performer and guru of Kathakali, the classical dance-drama form of Kerala. Hailing from a modest family with no direct artistic lineage, his early fascination with Kathakali led him to leave school after the eighth standard to pursue the art…
Journey Timeline
1941
Born in Cherpulassery, Palakkad district, Kerala.
1956
Began formal Kathakali training at Sadanam Kathakali Akademi.
1957
Debut performance (arangetram) as Krishna in 'Kalyanasougandhikam'.
Early 1970s
First international tour (Europe and Western world, except US). — Organized by Milena Salvini.
1989-1994
Worked as professor in Kathakali in Viswabharathi University, Santhinikethan, Bengal.
2002
Received Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award.
2007
Received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
2013
Received National Award for Best Teacher from President of India.
2015
Received Kalasree State Award from Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy.
2016
Received Senior Fellowship from Cultural Ministry.
2017
Celebrated 60 years of professional life with 'Maarattam' event.
2021
Received Honorary D.Litt from Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University.
2021
Received Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship.
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
- 2002 · Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award — Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi
- 2007 · Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Sangeet Natak Akademi
- Kalamandalam Fellowship — Kerala Kalamandalam
- 2021 · Honorary D.Litt — Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University
- 2021 · Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship — Sangeet Natak Akademi
- Kerala State Kathakali Award — Government of Kerala
- Rajahamsam — University of Texas
- 2013 · National Award for Best Teacher — President of India
- 2016 · Senior Fellowship — Cultural Ministry
- 2015 · Kalasree State Award — Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy
- Kathakali Acharya — Kollam Kathakali Club
- Outstanding Young Indian National Award — Indian Junior Chamber
- Honourable mention award for sculpture — Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy
- Veerasrinkhala
Media Coverage
- Steady Rise of an All-Rounder
Welcome Kerala Online
- Krishnayanam: A day with Kathakali maestro Sadanam Krishnankutty
The New Indian Express
- In the footsteps of his gurus
The Hindu
Dance School
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Students
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Testimonials
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Upcoming Workshops
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Compiled from public sources and/or self-reported by the artist — not independently verified by NatyaNetwork. See our Terms.