Kalasagar presents annual awards in memory of Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval

Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval, who composed rhythmic masterpieces on the Kathakali stage through the strokes of the chenda, was born on May 28, 1924, to Thelakkattu Madhavan Namboothiri and Pappi (Parvathi Poduvalsyar) of Vellinezhi Kavil Pothuvati. His first guru was his maternal uncle, Kavil Pothuvatil Govinda Poduval, under whom he mastered traditional temple percussion forms and disciplines. These included thayambaka, keli, kottippadi seva, pooja kottu, and various temple rituals and conventions.

Whenever Poduval took his place on the rear right side of the stage, he would sit with closed eyes, freeing himself from all distracting thoughts and immersing himself in total concentration. The chenda rhythms that flowed from him carried immense brilliance and vitality. His powerful percussion infused actors on stage with energy and inspiration.

Artists who received universal recognition across regions in the world of Kathakali, like Poduval, are indeed rare. His extraordinary gift lay in a deep understanding of the story’s essence, the psychology of the characters, the dignity of ritual, and the meaningful nuances required in performance – all of which he blended perfectly through his artistry.

Another unforgettable chapter in Kathakali history was the majestic melappadam created by combining the maddalam of contemporary maestro Kalamandalam Appukkutti Poduval with the chenda of Krishnankutty Poduval. Their performances elevated Kathakali connoisseurs to the heights of aesthetic experience and immersed them in an ocean of rasa. Equally remarkable was the famed “Kutti Trio”— the grand combination of the heroic performances of Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair, especially in kathivesham roles, along with the percussion brilliance of the Poduvals. The magical impact created by these three masters together on stage was indescribable.

Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval, the towering genius who left a unique imprint on every sphere of Kathakali, was remembered through his 102nd birth anniversary celebrations on May 28. Organized by Kalasagar with the support of the Central Ministry of Culture, the event was held at the Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair Memorial Trust Hall.

To honor the memory of Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval, Kalasagar presented this year's Kalasagar Awards to distinguished Kathakali personalities.   The recipients included K. B. Raj Anand (Art Criticism), Kalluvazhi Vasu (Performance), Kottakkal P. D. Namboothiri (Music), Kalamandalam Narayanankutty & Vijayamaniyamma (Chenda), Kodassery Parameswaran Nair (Maddalam), and Kottakkal Ramachandran (Chutti).

The memorial meeting began at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 28. Vellinezhi Anand delivered the welcome address and introductory speech. Presided over by T. K. Achyuthan, President of Kalasagar, the meeting was officially inaugurated by Padmashri Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar, Patron of the organization.

V. Kaladharan spoke at length on the non-percussive artistic dimensions of Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval. In simple yet profound language, he highlighted how Poduval shared his deep knowledge of Kathakali with actors, students of various art forms, and connoisseurs alike. The audience received this insightful address with warm appreciation and applause.

Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan, former Principal of Kerala Kalamandalam, introduced this year’s Kalasagar Award recipients to the audience, after which Peethambaran Anamangad, Secretary of the Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair Memorial Trust, delivered the vote of thanks. 

A special highlight of the event was the presentation of the crown once used for many years by the late Kathakali acharya Narippatta Thirumeni, who recently passed away. His family gifted the precious heirloom to the Kunchu Nair Trust. It was this very crown that had once adorned Sadanam Krishnankutty during his legendary portrayal of Keechakan. 

Following the award ceremony, the Kathakali play Keechakavadham was staged. The performance line-up included:

• The Lead Cast:  Sadanam Krishnankutty as Keechakan, Kalamandalam Keshavan Namboothiri as Sairandhri, Vellinezhi Haridasan as Sudeshna, and Kottakkal Devadas as Vallalan.
• Vocal Support: Nedumpally Ram Mohan and Sadanam Jyothish Babu.
• Percussion Ensemble: Sadanam Ramakrishnan, Sadanam Jithin and Sadanam Devadas.
• Chutti: Kalamandalam Sreejith.
• Backstage Management: Kalamandalam Balan and team.
• Costumes & Presentation: Costumes provided by the Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair Memorial Trust; presented by Kalasagar, Kavalappara.

The Keechakavadham performance turned out to be a unique artistic offering that gave art lovers an unforgettable aesthetic experience.

By

Rajesh Poduval