80+
Years of Experience
6+
Students Taught
1
Followers
❖ Guru Parampara ❖
Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon
Guru
Guru
Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair
About
Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair (1908-1981), also spelled Kunju Nair, was a towering figure in the world of Indian classical dance, renowned as an outstanding Kathakali maestro, brilliant performer, exceptional guru, and Sanskrit scholar. Born in 1908 in Vazhenkada, near Cherpalcheri in the Palakkad district of Kerala, he was initially named Krishnan but became…
Journey Timeline
1908
Born in Vazhenkada — Born in Vazhenkada, near Cherpalcheri, Palakkad district, Kerala.
1924
Began Kathakali training — Initiated into Kathakali by Kariyattil Koppan Nair.
1925
Debut performance
1946
Joined PSV Natya Sangham — Began serving as a guru at PSV Natya Sangham, Kottakkal.
1960
Joined Kerala Kalamandalam — Began serving as a guru and became the first principal of Kerala Kalamandalam.
1981
Passed away
1987
Vazhenkada Kunchunair Memorial Trust founded — A trust established in his memory to promote Kathakali.
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
- Padma Shri — Government of India
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Sangeet Natak Akademi
Media Coverage
- Why the Vazhenkada Style of Kathakali is Fading
India Art Review
- Of heroes, villains and demons
The Hindu
Dance School
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Testimonials
Student & peer testimonials will appear here.
Upcoming Workshops
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