Keezhpatam Kumaran was a great Kathakali dancer. He was born in Vellinezhi village, Palakkad district in 1916. He began his training at the Kanthallur Kalari there, under his sole guru, Pattikkantodi Ramunni Menon of the Kalluvazhi (midland) school. His favourite role is of Hanuman, in Kalyana sangandhika i.e. `Auspicious Fragrant Flower`, Toranayuddham i.e. `War over the Gateway`, and Lavanasura-vadham or `Slaying of Lavanasura`, considered his masterpieces. Even in his early 20s, he used to portray Hanuman opposite Pattikkantodi`s Bhima in Kalyana saugandhika. The next sixty years saw him as different characters of the epics and the Puranas, preferring sattvika or pure heroes, though at the age of 78 he enacted the demon king Ravana in Balivijayam or Victory over Bali`. That was a long and important role. Males in the categories of katti or antagonists, minukku or sages or Brahmans and vellatati or divine animals suited him because of his good physique and height.

His large eyes were assets for the performer. Touching expressions and innovations in interpreting verses through a variety of mudras were his plus points. He maintained the dignity of characters and applied novel choreography from his vast knowledge of Bharatanatyam, which most Kathakali exponents do not possess. He was instructor at Kerala Kalamandalam in Cheruthuruthi, Thrissur district during 1955- 7. He was also working in the Gandhi Seva Sadanam in Perur in Palakkad district during I960- 75 and the International Kathakali Centre in Delhi during 1975-81. He taught the Kalluvazhi style to many well-known performers, like Kalamandalam Gopi, Sadanam Krishnan Kutty, and Sadanam Balakrishnan.

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