The legacy of the iconic Chenda maestro and Kathakali luminary, Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval, was celebrated in all its glory as Kalasaagar, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, marked his 101st birth anniversary with a moving tribute titled “In Memory of a Legend.”
The commemorative event, held on May 28, at the Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair Memorial Hall, was not merely a remembrance, but a resounding reaffirmation of Poduval’s transformative impact on the world of Kathakali. Known for elevating the Chenda from a feared “demon’s drum” to a revered instrument of divine resonance, Poduval was celebrated as much for his musicianship as for his holistic contribution to the triadic Kathakali tradition.
Honouring Excellence
The 2025 Kalasaagar Awards, traditionally presented to outstanding Kathakali artists, saw a noteworthy expansion this year. For the first time, the award committee honoured an art critic — a gesture widely welcomed by the cultural fraternity. Veteran critic and orator Sri. V. Kaladharan, former Deputy Registrar of Kerala Kalamandalam, received the Best Art Critic Award.
Other awardees included:
Oyoor Ramachandran (Kathakali Vesham – performance)
Kalamandalam Surendran (Kathakali Music)
Keerikkad Purushothaman Panicker (Kathakali Chenda)
Kalanilayam Ramanunni Moosath (Kathakali Maddalam)
Kottakkal Satheesh S.V. (Kathakali Chutti – makeup)
The evening commenced with a welcome by Vellinezhi Anand and was presided over by T.K. Achyuthan, President of Kalasaagar. The formal inauguration was done by Padma Shri Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar, Chairman of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi.
The commemorative address was delivered by K.B. Raj Anand, Dean of Kalamandalam and Chairman of the Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair Memorial Trust, who highlighted Poduval’s unmatched contribution to Kathakali pedagogy and aesthetics.
A new Kuttichamaram, a traditional Kathakali stage prop, constructed with the support of Kunnath Narayanan Namboothiri, was officially handed over to the Trust by Kalamandalam Ramachandran Unnithan.
Former Principal of Kerala Kalamandalam, Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan, introduced the awardees, and Peethambaran Anamangad, Secretary of the Trust, delivered the vote of thanks.
A Night of Artistic Grandeur
The evening culminated in a stellar performance of the Kathakali play “Bali Vijayam.”
Dr. Sadanam Krishnankutty enthralled the audience as Ravana,
Kottakkal Devadas took the role of Narada,
Kalamandalam Ramachandran Unnithan portrayed Bali.
Musical accompaniment was provided by Sadanam Sivadas and Sridevan Cherumittam, while percussion was led by Kalamandalam Krishnadas and Kalanilayam Manoj. Makeup (Chutti) was executed by Kalamandalam Sreejith, with backstage coordination by Kalamandalam Balan and his team.
Jointly organised by Kalasaagar and the Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair Memorial Trust, the programme was a vibrant confluence of tradition, talent, and tribute — a fitting homage to the man often referred to as the University of Kathakali.
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