Kathakali actor, he also popularized classical dances like Bharatanatyam in North Kerala
The Kathakali actor, who was also instrumental in creating classical dances like Bharatanatyam in North Kerala, Guru Chemnacheri Kuniraman Nair died here on Monday. He was 105.
Remarkably, he continued to perform until a few years ago. Age could not stop his excitement.
After learning the Kallikodakodan school of Kathakali from Guru Karunakar Menon, he started performing from the age of 15. He continued performing late into the 90s as well. One recalls that he played the role of Parashurama very vigorously in the town hall a few years ago.
His contribution as a teacher of classical dance in North Kerala, at a time when there were few physicians, cannot be exaggerated. She trained many youngsters, who later became dance teachers.
Chemanacheri Kuniraman Nair was awarded the Padma Shri in 2017. File
Chamanacheri, who was awarded the Padma Shri, was, in fact, the first guru of actor Vineeth, who is considered one of the best male dancers in multinationalism today. He actually performed at a function to celebrate Chemanachery’s 99th birthday in 2015.
Soon after his performance, Vineeth told this reporter that he was happy to perform for his mentor in front of a large audience.
Chemnacheri was indeed a popular figure who would bring you to various cultural functions in the city. With his long ugly hair and bright smile he could easily stand out from a crowd.
Born on 16 June 1916 to the house of Chandanakandi Chhathukutty Nair and Kinntinkara Kunhamankutty Amma, Kuniraman Nair made his first performance in the Kizpeiyur Kuniyil Pardevata temple in 1930.
Since then there was no search for Kuniraman Nair, who performed even after completing 100 years.
He will miss cultural Kerala.
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