One of the great living performers this art today in Kerala is Guru Ramankutty who both teaches and performs all over the world with his troupe. Another well known Guru and practitioner of this style in Bombay is Guru Gopalakrishnan.

Guru Kunchu Kurup (1880-1972): He was born in Poypallilkulam family of Thakazhi village of Kuttanad, Alappuzha district, Kerala, India. He was the first artist to get the Indian national award for Kathakali. He was honoured with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards (the highest award for an artist in India).

Kalamandalam Kesavan Namboodiri: Kalamandalam Kesavan Namboodiri was born on Jan 1, 1955 in Kolpuram Illam, Kuruvattoor, and Kozhikode Taluk. He learned Kathakali from 1972 to 1983 in Kerala Kalamandalam and was awarded Central Govt.

Kalamandalam Rajeev Kalamandalam Rajeev was born on May 30, 1974.After passing the Pre-degree, he learned Kathakali in Kalamandalam and passed Diploma and PG. He has practiced Kathakali under Mayyanad Kesavan Namboothiri, Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharody, Kalamandalam Balasubrahmanian, Kalamandalam Gopalakrishnan and Kalamandalam Ramdas.