Early Life of Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma She was born in the year 1915. She was a native of Thirunavaya in Malappuram district of the state. Career of Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma Kalayanikutty Amma developed an interest in Mohiniyattam in her early twenties. She joined Kerala Kalamandalam to learn this dance form. She was one of the early-batch students of Kerala Kalamandalam. However, she had to face lots of difficulties as during those days dancing was not considered appropriate for aristocratic families. She was turned out of her home and was denied everything she was entitled to. Later when she completed her studies, she was asked by Poet Vallathol to spread awareness about Mohiniyattam. He handed her the responsibility of elevating Mohiniyattam to a better status in society. To accomplish this mission, she traveled all over Kerala and visited numerous temples. She also developed many basic steps and a repertoire format for this classical dance form. Her life long commitment was able to revive Mohiniyattam and give it a position among other classical dance forms of India. Her notable disciples are her daughters Sreedevi Rajan and Kala Vijayan and Mrinalini Sarabhai and Deepti Omchery Bhalla. Personal Life of Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma Kalyanikutty Amma had tied the knot with late Kathakali maestro Padma Shri Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair. Her son Kalasala Babu is a cinema and television actor, while her granddaughter Smitha Rajan is a well-known Mohiniyattam artiste. Kalyanikutty Amma breathed her last on May 12, 1999 in Tripunithura at the age of 84. Achievements of Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma Her noteworthy contribution in the field of this classical dance form made her win several awards which are as follows- |