Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Dances > Thengin Thottathil Ramankutty Nair
Thengin Thottathil Ramankutty Nair
Thengin Thottathil Ramankutty Nair is a reputed Kathakali exponent and guru.

Share this Article:

Thengin Thottathil Ramankutty Nair, Indian DancerThengin 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.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Dances


Methil Devika
Methil Devika is an Indian dancer, choreographer and dance research scholar hailing from Palakkad, Kerala.
Dance of Kali
Dance of Kali is performed in accompaniment of Mahadeva where the performer reflects the vigorous and grotesque forms of dance of Goddess Kali. The dance is a form of worshipping Goddess Kali in her most aggressive form symbolizing destruction of evil.
Folk Dances of Kerala
Folk Dances of Kerala have been very popular and diverse. There are around 50 folk dances in Kerala that are performed during various occasions.
Folk Dances of Maharashtra
Folk dances of Maharashtra reflect the state's rich cultural heritage and traditions. Prominent forms include Lavani, Tamasha, Lezim, and Gondhal, each associated with specific communities and occasions. These dances combine music, rhythm, and storytelling, often performed during festivals, rituals, and social gatherings, preserving regional identity across generations.
Folk Dance of Tamil Nadu
The traditional and cultural values of Tamil Nadu are reflected in their folk dance. The state has both features and regional autonomy authentic to itself. The folk dances are there since a long time and have made an important cultural representation all around the globe.