Noted Kathakali artist Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair, 88, passed away in his house at Njalakurissy in Vellinezhi here at 4.45 pm on Monday. He was ailing for the past two weeks.
Born in Vellinezhi on May 25, 1925, to Oppath Narayanan Nair and Thenginthottathil Kunhimallu Amma, Ramankutty Nair took to Kathakali at a tender age.
He did not hail from a family of Kathakali artists, but the tutoring by Pattikathodi Ravunni Menon and his proximity to Olappamanna Mana helped a lot.
He came to Kerala Kalamandalam in 1940 and joined there as a teacher in 1948.
In 1985, he retired as Kalamandalam principal.
An exponent of the Kalluvazhi Chitta in Kathakali, Ramankutty Nair was known for his Kathi and Thadi Veshams.
Among his Kathi Veshams were Ravanan in Ulbhavam, Shishupalan in Rajasooyam, Narakasuran, Duryodhanan and Keechakan.
His main Thadi Veshams were in Thorana Yudham, Kalayanasowgandhikam and Lavanasuram, all in the role of Hanuman.
He had also performed the Vesham of Kattalan (hunter) and Parasuraman to perfection.
A P a dma Bhushan recipient, Ramankutty Nair was also honoured with numerous awards.
He is survived by wife Saraswathi and three children — Narayanankutty, Vijayalakshmi and Appukuttan.
His prominent disciples include Kalamandalam Gopi, Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharody, Kalamandalam Balasubramaniam and Kalamandalam M P S Namboodiri.