Kalamandalam Geethanandan Biography 
Kalamandalam Geethanandan was a famous Ottanthullal artist from Kerala. He was a noted actor too who appeared in a few Malayalam films. He was a retired head of the Thullal Department at Kalamandalam Deemed University of Art and Culture. On January 28, 2018, he delivered his last Ottanthullal performance and collapsed in front of the percussion artist with his hands folded, while performing on stage at a cultural event in Irangalakuda Mahadeva temple. Though he was rushed to hospital, it was too late. He was only 58. He was a recipient of several awards including honours from Kerala Kalamandalam and Kerala Sangeeta Nadaka Academy. Kalamandalam Geethanandan is the first Ottanthullal artist ever to present ‘Thullal Pada Kacheri’, presentation of Thullal poems on stage in live concerts.
He hailed from Palakkad, Kerala. He was born in Palakkad Akilaanam Desathu Madam as the son of Pushpakath Kesavan Nambeesan and Savitri Brahmani Amma. He performed Thullal on stage for the first time at the age of 9. He appeared in movies since early 1990s, and Manasinakkare, Thoovalkottaram, Kamaladalam and Irattakuttikalude Achan to mention a few. He appeared in more than 30 movies. He joined Kalamandalam as a teacher of Ottanthullal in 1983, and worked there till his retirement. He completed 25 years in the institute as faculty. As an Ottanthullal artist he performed in more than 5000 concerts, in India and abroad.
He was married to Shobhana, who works as a choreographer in Malayalam film industry. The couple has two kids – a boy and a girl, both into Ottanthullal field and both are married. Geethanandan has played a major role in popularising thullal, and one of the leading and senior artists in the present times. On his final stage performance, he wanted to do something special to entertain the crowd, but could perform only 15 minutes before it was ‘called off’.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 29, 2018
