Sri Kalamandalam Padmanabhan Nair (1928-2007), known as the apostle of the pristine tradition of Kathakali, was one of the great masters of the art and former Principal of the Kerala Kalamandalam.
Since 2008 his birth anniversary is celebrated and death anniversary is commemorated respectively during the months October and April. by his disciples and grand disciples under the aegis of the organization dedicated to his memory The organization has been registered as Trust during November 2009.
The trust uphold his outstanding and unique contributions to the art of Kathakali as a trainer par excellence, performer and author of authentic books on its grammar and techniques; to preserve and promote the pristine tradition of Kathakali to which the master dedicated his life; to groom young, up and coming up artists; to disseminate the aesthetics of the form among the general public through a variety of programmes, etc., among others.
The functions include tribute, memorial speeches, honouring deserving artists, programmes to encourage young talents and performance by the masters of his school who are his disciples / grand disciples, with funds borrowed and taken from the pocket of the Trustees.
The remembrance programme during 2019 was held on 27th and 28h April, 2019 at Chakkiankavu, Kuruvattur and Kerala Sahithya Academy at Thrissur respectively. The two days programme was remarkable by a multitude of sessions in the forenoon and afternoon concerned with different aspects of Kathakali with special reference to its aesthetics and the contribution of Guru Kalamandalam Padmanabhan Nair to preserve and promote the art as a classical and unique dance drama of Kerala.
The morning session started with lighting lamp followed by paying tributes to the maestros and Guru Pooja by disciples and grand disciples. Smt. Vallathol Vasanthi Menon, Executive Board Member at Kerala Kalamandalam inaugurated the session. She cherished the fruitful memories of her association with Padmanabhan Nair and Sathyabhama Teacher. A majestic Mohiniyattam performance by the young artistes was the fascinating symbol of the session which was lauded by the connoisseurs and viewers.
The afternoon session which started at 2 P.M. was a thought provoking one with seminar on Kathakali with special reference to bhavabhinaya of female characters in the plays of Irayimman Thampi. Some senior disciples of the Guru were also present to join the fruitful discussion which lasted till 3.30 P.M. The session was really dynamic as it led to serious deliberations on the need for enlightening senior artists in institutions like the Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University for Arts and Culture, and others to concentrate to reach the citadels of bhavabhinaya while enacting female lead roles in Kathakali.
A four hour long Kathakali recital marked the end of the two day celebrations. The famous play of Kottayathu Thampuram, “Kalakeyavadham” known for technical purity with Arjuna, taking the valiant role was staged which is based on the epic of Mahabharatha Sri Kalamandalm Vijayakrishnan Unnithan, a celebrated actor cum teacher performed the role of Arjuna. Based on the epic “Mahabharatha”, the play narrates, the events surrounding the Pandava Prince Arjuna’s visit to his father Indra’s abode, paradise. The performance of Sri.Vijayakrishnan Unnithan was distinctive by emotional diversities and was widely acclaimed by the audience numbering more than 250.
