V. K. Nair
Kathakali Performer
80+
Years of Experience
1+
Students Taught
1
Followers
About
Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair (1908/1909-1981) was a legendary Indian Kathakali maestro, renowned as a brilliant performer, an excellent guru, and a Sanskrit scholar. Born in Vazhenkada, now in the Malappuram district of Kerala, he was initially named Krishnan but became widely known by his nickname Kunchu. His journey into Kathakali began in 1924 with training…
Journey Timeline
1908/1909
Born in Vazhenkada
1924
Began Kathakali training
1925
Debut as a Kathakali dancer
1946
Began serving as guru at PSV Natya Sangham, Kottakkal
1959
Joined Kerala Kalamandalam
1969
Received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
1971
Received Padma Shri
1981
Died
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
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Performance Map
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Awards & Honors
- 1969 · Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Sangeet Natak Akademi
- 1971 · Padma Shri — Government of India
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Students
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