Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair Biography 
Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair was one of the most renowned Kathakali artists from Kerala who played a significant role in the popularization of this traditional art form. Krishnan Nair was a genuine all-rounder who had the caliber to emote any role in Kathakali and is regarded as a genius of this art form. His name is always listed among the top Kathakali artists of Kerala all time. He was married to Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma, regarded as “The mother of Mohiyattam”, the iconic figure and supreme authority of Mohiniyattam who played a significant role in elevating this dance form into a classical dance form of India. He was honoured with Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1967 and Padma Sri in 1970. His romantic roles of roles like Nalan, Bhiman, Arjunan, Rukmangadan and Karnan are enough proofs of his versatility.
He was born in Payyannur in Taliparamba taluk of Kannur district in North Malabar on March 11, 1914. He started learning Kathakali at a younger age and initiated learning under Guru Chandu Panikker. By 19, he got noticed by great poet Vallathol Narayana Menon who invited him to Kerala Kalamandalam. He continued training under great doyens of Kathakali like Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon, Thakazhi Kunchu Kurup, Kavalappara Narayanan Nair and Mani Madhava Chakyar. Nair had his higher studies on Rasa-abhinaya from the celebrated Kudiyattam maestro Natyacharya Mani Madhava Chakyar who heavily influenced him. Later through his performance, he popularized this art form and placed his name in golden letters in the history books of Kathakali.
In the year 1940, he married Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma. In 1952, they established Kerala Kalalayam in Aluva and then shifted it to Tripunithura in 1959. Krishnan Nair died on Indian Independence Day, August 15, 1990 aged 76.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 23, 2014
