Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval Biography 
Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval was a legendary chenda artist who accompanied Kathakali performers in the 20th century. A self-taught musician, he left his mark in the glorious era of Kathakali and other temple arts of Kerala. He lived during 1924-1992, and died at the age of 68. He hailed from Vellinezhi village of present-day Palakkad district of Kerala, which has given birth to many music maestros such as Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon, Keezhpadam Kumaran Nair, Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair and many others. Poduval also lends audio support (Kathakali Sangeetam) on the chenda to emotional scenes on the Kathakali stage.
Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval was born in the year 1924 in the Kathakali village of Vellinezhi in Palakkad district. He did his training in playing the percussion instrument Chenda since young. He received basic training from Chamrankulangara Appu Marar. Later he accompanied many leading Kathakali artists for their performances. He along with Appukutty Poduval ushered in a new spring in the acoustics of their performing art, and achieved a celebrity status in the percussion instrument of Chenda. The duo accompanied the legendary Kathakali artist Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair for many of his performances during his glorious era in the profession.
Apart from given performances on stage, he also worked as a faculty in the famous art institute Kerala Kalamandalam of Thrissur. He taught Chenda to many students who studied there. He retired as professor in the late 1980s. He had once quit Kalamandalam following differences with its authorities, and worked with Gandhi Seva Sadan Kathakali Akademi during that period. He was a recipient of numerous honours including Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi award for his contributions towards the field. Poduval died on October 14, 1992 in Ernakulam.
Published: September 08, 2018
Updated: September 08, 2018
