Kathakali chenda maestro Kuroor Vasudevan Namboothiri bags ‘Kalapuraskaram’ honour

Kottayam: Renowned ‘chenda’ artist Kuroor Vasudevan Namboothiri (77), who has won the state Cultural Department’s ‘Kalapuraskaram’, is a major presence in the performing arts scene for over 65 years. A winner of several awards in the past, Vasudevan Namboothiri - who is affectionately addressed as ‘Midukkan’ (the smart one) - has earned Rs one lakh with the latest honour.

Vasudevan Namboothiri ventured into the field of arts following in the footsteps of this father, Kathakali artist Kuroor Valiya (senior) Vasudevan Namboothiri. He initially trained under noted ‘Kathakali chenda’ performer Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Pothuval, who began calling him Midukkan. As both father and son shared the same name, Vasudevan Namboothiri was known for a long time as Cheriya (junior) Vasudevan Namboothiri.

He subsequently took lessons in ‘thayambaka’, ‘keli’ and ‘Kathakali chenda’ from Ayamkudi Kuttappa Marar during 1960-64. In 1972, Vasudevan Namboothiri engaged in higher studies at Kerala Kalamandalam, where he acquired expertise in ‘Kathakali melam’ (Kathakali percussion) under Kalamandam Ramankutty Nair, Pallassana Chandra Mannadiyar and Kalamandalam Achunni Pothuval.

In the following years, Vasudevan Namboothiri joined Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Pothuval for numerous Kathakali performances, while continuing to learn the nuances of ‘Kathakali chenda’.

Vasudevan Namboothiri’s debut performance in ‘thayambaka’ took place at Kumaranalloor Devi Temple in 1961. He soon displayed his mastery over the art form on stages in India and abroad. Vasudevan Namboothiri is still active in the field of Kathakali.