Oyoor Kochugovinda Pillai was an Indian Kathakali artist. He was born in Veninallur village, Kollam district in 1917. He started Kathakali training as a 9-year-old under his uncle Chathannur Velu Pillai. After six years of practice, he joined his uncle`s troupe. During this period, he learnt Sanskrit and specialized under gurus like Kurichi Kunjan Panicker and Chennithala Kochu Pillai Panicker.
Oyoor Kochugovinda Pillai followed the former in becoming famous through hundreds of performances as the Hamsa or swan of Nalacharitam i.e. `Nala`s Life`. He also became famous after acting in Krishna and Sundara-Brahmana in Rukmini svayamvaram i.e. `Rukminis Choice of Groom`. His excellence in handling paccha heroes was evident in the parts of Arjuna and Kacha. In 1966, he was invited to Singapore and remained there for some time to instruct children. He was a member of the renowned Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore troupe, toured with it, and continued to perform well into his 70s.
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