Sadanam Krishnankutty

Who is Sadanam Krishnankutty?

Sadanam Krishnankutty is a kathakali artist from Cherpulassery in Palakkad district, Kerala, India.

After leaving school at the age of 15, Krishnankutty was admitted to the Gandhi Seva Sadanam Kathakali Academy in Perur district, Palakkad. There he learned from people such as Krishnankutty Nair, Sankara Narayanan Embranthiry and Thekkinkattil Ravunny Nair.

In 1962, after years of training, he became the second person to be awarded a scholarship for higher studies by the Government of India. For these he was taught by Keezhpadam Kumaran Nair for three years. He was also trained by Maani Madhava Chakyar in Rasabhinaya and Nethrabhinaya.

Krishnankutty gained recognition as a good kathakali actor in his home state. notably in performances in Pacha,Kathi, Kari,Thadi and Minukku. He continued to act while undertaking some teaching roles both in India and in places such as France, Germany and Japan.

Foreign tours - In 1974, was invited for the first time to represent Kathakali through workshops and stage performances to France for six months. There onwards, it became a regular requirement through similar forums in other countries too, that has continued for more than 30 times now.