60+
Years of Experience
1
Followers
About
G. Venu, also known as Gopalan Nair Venu, is a highly esteemed Indian classical dance exponent, choreographer, research scholar, and guru, primarily recognized for his profound contributions to Koodiyattam and Kathakali. Born on July 1, 1945, in Pappanamcode, Kerala, Venu began his journey in classical arts at the age of eleven, studying Kathakali under…
Journey Timeline
1945
Born in Pappanamcode, Kerala
1956
Began Kathakali training — At age eleven, under Keerickattu Sankar Pillai. His father started a Kalari school.
1963
First student at Viswakalakendram — Guru Gopinath's dance institute.
1966
Began teaching Kathakali in Bhopal — For the Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad.
1975
Founded Natanakairali
1977
Received Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award
1982
Founded Ammannur Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam
1984
Koodiyattam Arangetram
2001
UNESCO recognition of Koodiyattam — Venu contributed to this recognition.
2005
Received Kerala Kalamandalam Award
2007
Received Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award
2007
Received Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture
2012
Retired from performing Koodiyattam on stage
2022
Received Nritha Paramacharya Award
2023
Published "Mudra" — A landmark publication on hand gestures.
2023
Received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
2023
Received Nruthya Pitamaha title
2024
Received Vayosevana Award
2024
Received Kerala Kalamandalam Fellowship
Photo Gallery
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
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Performance Map
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Awards & Honors
- 1977 · Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award — Kerala Sahitya Akademi
- 2005 · Kerala Kalamandalam Award — Kerala Kalamandalam
- 2007 · Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award — Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi
- 2007 · Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture — Nikkei Inc., Japan
- 2022 · Nritha Paramacharya Award — Dancers and Choreographers Association
- 2023 · Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Sangeet Natak Akademi
- 2023 · Nruthya Pitamaha — Urise Vedic Sangeetha Academy, Bangalore
- 2024 · Vayosevana Award for Comprehensive Contribution — Department of Higher Education and Social Justice, Government of Kerala
- 2024 · Kerala Kalamandalam Fellowship — Kerala Kalamandalam
Media Coverage
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