KOCHI:
Kalasagar celebrated the 95th birth anniversary of its founder, Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval, on 28 May 2019 titled as ORU PIRANALINTE ORMAKAYI with the support Ministry of Culture, Government of India & Tripunithura Kathakali Kendram at Kalikotta Palace.
While paying rich tribute to the maestros by the diginitaries its felt that Poduval was very much living and giving the divine feelings among the huge attendees. Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval, the legendary percussionist in and an informed critic of Kathakali needs no introduction in the world of art and culture.
Poduval studied the visual grammar and rhythmic- culture of Kathakali under Guru Pattikkaamthoti Ravunni Menon. He then re-interpreted the role of Chenda in Kathakali. Poduval traced on Chenda even the subtle emotions of characters, provided musical sentiments to romantic scenes and prompted the actors do their best on stage.
His holistic understanding of Kathakali helped him integrate music to every visual note. This was a matchless achievement. He has scripted and directed many kathakali plays, Bhishmaprathignya, Amba, King Lear, Snapakacharitham, etc., to name a few. Kalasagar has been celebrating its anniversary as ORU PIRANLINTE ORMAKAY on May 28 which has now become a part of the cultural calendar of Kerala and with wholehearted co- operation, active support and participation of art lovers and well wishers, the function always proved grand and glorious tribute to the late mastero.
As part of the 95th birth anniversary observance of chenda maestro Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval, Kalasagar will be honoring the artistes in the field of Kathakali – Vesham, Music, Chenda, Maddalam & Chuttty as well as Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattom, Kuchipudi, Ottenthullal, Chakyarkoothu, Koodiyattam, Thayambaka and Panchavadyam – Thimila, Maddalam, Edakka, Thalam & Kombu. The Awardees has been selected through nominations received from the art lovers.
C Radhakrishnan, well known Novalist was the guest of honor. Dr. K.G. Paulose, First Vice Chancellor of Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University inaugurated the event. Dr. P S Raman, President of Kathakali Kendra chaired the proceedings. P Jayachandran, noted playback singer, Padma Shri Mattanoor Sankarankutty Marar, Sharath A Haridasan, well known writer and film director, participated and give away the awards. V Kaladharan, leading kathakali critic delivered the key note address. M P Mohanan, President, Kalasagar presented the
vote of thanks.
The programme commenced at 5.00 p.m. on 28th May 2019. The highlight of the event has been kathakali play NALACHARITHAN ONNAM DIVASAM (Uthara Bhagam) in which Kottakkal Devadas doing the role of King Nala for the first time, Sadanam Krishnankutty (Damayanthi), Kalamandalam Ramachandranunnithan (Hamsam). Vellinezhi Haridas, Ranjini Suresh, Kalamandalam Chinosh Balan, FACT BijuBhaskar, R L V Anuraj, Kalamandalam Babu Namboodiri, Kalamandalam Viswas, Kalamandalam Krishnadas, Kalamandalam Venumohan, Kottakkal Ravi, Kalanilayam Vishnu, Eroor Sasi and other eminent artists participated in the programme.
