Sadanam Krishnankutty

Sadanam Krishnankutty
Sadanam Krishnankutty as Raudra Bheeman in Duryodhanavadham
Occupation	Kathakali Performer and Trainer
Nationality	Indian

Sadanam Krishnankutty (Cherpulassery, 1942) is a cultural artist and a popular performer of Kathakali, a unique classical dance-drama form of Kerala,South India. A recipient of Kerala Kalamandalam awards and fellowship, he is reputed for his skill in donning a wide range of characters in his acts. He received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2007.

A native of Cherpulassery in Palakkad district, the 1942-born Krishnankutty is primarily a frontline disciple of the late Padma Shri Keezhpadam Kumaran Nair. He had his initial lessons under Thekkinkatil Ramunni Nair, and has also taken eye exercise and Rasa-Abhinaya classes from the late Kudiyattam maestro Natyacharya Padma Shri Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar.

Krishnakutty had his Kathakali lessons at Sadanam Kathakali Akademi (Gandhi Seva Sadan) east of Ottapalam. He was, for a brief while, Kathakali tutor at the Unnayi Varrier Smaraka Kalanilayam in Irinjalakuda and Kala Mandir in Patna. A winner of the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi award (2006), he is known for his breezy portrayal of roles in classical stories as well as newly staged Kathakali plays.

Krishnankutty lives in Irinjalakuda town of Thrissur district.