K.Kumaran Nair

Born in 1915 in Vellinezhi, Kerala, Shri Keezhpadam Kumaran Nair is among the foremost disciples of Guru Pattikkanthodi Ravunni Menon, with whom he trained for 14 years at Vellinezhi Kanthalloor Kalari. He also received lessons from Gurus Chandu Panikker, Ambu Panikker and Karunakara Menon. Together with intensive training in Kathakali, he familiarized himself with the basic technique of other classical dances.

As a performer and teacher, Shri Kumaran has made a significant contribution to Kathakali. He has performed widely at home and abroad, playing major roles with mastery, excelling equally in Pacha, Kathi and Minukku types of characters. He has carried forward the tradition of the Kalluvazhi school and contributed new works to the rich corpus of Kathakali. In Kalluvazhi Style, the credit of choreographing the last four Kalasams in Ashtakalasam of Hanuman in Kalyanasougandhikam goes to Shri Kumaran Nair. As a guru he has been associated with many leading institutions: International Centre for Kathakali, Gandhi Seva Sadan Kathakali, PSV Natyasangham, Kerala Kalamandalam and others. Many of his disciples Kalamandalam Gopi, Sadanam Balakrishnan, Sadanam Krishnankutty, Kalamandalam Kuttan and Kalamandalam Rajan etc. have gained fame as artists and teachers.

Shri.Kumaran Nair was long associated with Mrinalini Sarabai in 'Darpana' Ahmedabad as the main Artiste cum Teacher.

Among others honours, Shri. Kumaran Nair received a gold medal from Mahakavi Vallathol in 1955. He received the Kerala Sangeetha Natak Akademi Award in 1988 and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1988.