|
 Thengin Thottathil Ramankutty Nair is a reputed Kathakali guru. Presently he is known as Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair. He was born in the Thengin Thottathil household in Nhalakurussi village, near Cherpalcheri, Palakkad district in 1925. At 11 he began Kathakali lessons in Vellinezhi Kalari under Pattikkantodi Ramunni Menon. In 1939 he joined the Kerala Kalamandalam for higher studies. Ramankutty Nair specialized in valorous and angry characters like the ascetic Parasurama, that was his masterpiece for about three decades and also Hanuman in Torana-yuddham i.e. 'War over the Gateway' and Kalyana saugandhika i.e. 'Auspicious Fragrant Flower'. He learnt all the roles in which Ramunni was an expert. The roles can be mentioned as katti like Ravana, Kichaka, Duryodhana, and paccha like Bhima, Daksha, Arjuna. He avoided sattvika or pure characters like Rukmangada, to which he could not do justice. Although he did not want to act the vellattati divine animals, Ramunni asked him to do such roles. He eventually enacted Hanuman thousands of times, equaled by none in Kathakali for its spirit of devotion.
In any character, his cholliattam or acting to songs is unparalleled. He claims regular and laborious practice as the secret of his ease in presentation and physical flexibility even in his mid-70s. However, he also experimented with innovative choreography. In ilakiattam or acting to percussion, the subtle body movements, minute elaboration, and speedy changes of hand gestures show his experience. Lazy artistes might feel certain expansions are unnecessary, but whatever he explains is true to the nature of particular characters. The perfection of specific mudras vis-a-vis posture is evident in his characterization. He has a special sense of rhythm. Where a slight variation is needed, he beats his foot with extra vigour and this strong step makes the rendering of the technical kalasam dances beautiful. Ramankutty Nair served Kerala Kalamandalam for thirty-five years, retiring as principal. As its troupe leader and main actor he toured internationally many times and performed in documentaries.
(Last Updated on : 04-08-2014)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recently Updated Articles in Indian Dances
|
|
|
| • | Amala Shankar
Amala Shankar is the wife of Uday Shankar and was born in Kolkata. Name of her daughter is Mamata Shankar.
| | | • | Indian Dance Festivals
Indian Dance Festivals are organised to appreciation the various dance forms of the country and introduce them to the world. Different place in India is known for its unique regional and classical dance forms and these festivals throws spotlight on these ancient forms of performing arts.
| | | • | Indian Dance Academies
Indian Dance Academies are the institutes offering a comprehensive curriculum related to various Indian dance forms. These academies are playing a major role in promoting various Indian dance forms and also bringing up more dancing talents from the country.
| | | • | Folk Dances of Rajasthan
Folk dances of Rajasthan include various folk performing art forms. The traditional dances of this region are absolutely colourful, energetic, and reflect the culture and society of the people living in the region. Most of these dances are related to some folk festival or ritual that traces its origin thousands of years ago.
| | | • | Folk Dance of Nagaland
Folk Dance of Nagaland reflects the naga tradition and culture of the local habitants. In most of the cases, naga dances are monopoly of men with some exception but almost ever dance is associated with some kind of naga festival or tradition.
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
