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Kottakkal Chandrasekhara Variyar

Methodical, transparent and dedicated are the three adjectives, frequently used to describe the celebrated Kathakali maestro Kottakkal Chandrasekhara Variyar.

Recipient of the State Kathakali Award for 2015, Kottakkal Chandrasekhara Variyar is renowned for the passion with which he adorns each character and imbibes its deep emotion before enacting it. His portrayal of the virtuous pacha and anti-heroic kathi roles in Kathakali are renowned.

An artiste who conducts an average of 250 performances per year, Kottakkal Chandrasekhara Variyar is a recipient of about 45 awards, including international honours.

Born on 15th Jan 1945, he was blessed to have parents who recognized his talent and area of interest from a very young age itself. His father A. M. Bhattatharipad and mother P. V. Parukutty Varassiyar ensured that along with his primary education he was trained in Kathakali. The Kathakali maestro got his training right from a tender age under the tutelage of the famous Kathakali Guru, Chethalloor Kuttan Panikkar. His first performance on stage was as Lord Krishna in the Kathakali play – Duryodhanavadham.

After completing his primary education, he joined the renowned Kathakali group, P. S. V. Natya Sangham in 1959. He received further training under famous Kathakali teachers like Vazhengada Kunju Nair, Kottakkal Krishnankutty Nair etc. On completing eight years of training, Kottakkal Chandrasekhara Variyar became competent in all types of characters in Kathakali. In 1967, he became a Kathakali tutor and later the principal at his alma mater, P. S. V. Natya Sangham.

Apart from being an exceptional performer and having performed at venues across the globe, he has also composed and directed various Kathakali plays like Sri Guruvayoorappan, Sathyavaan Saavithri, Arjjuna Vishaada Vriththam and Drona Charitham. He has also played a key role in publishing academic material on Kathakali.

Contact:
Kottakkal Chandrasekhara Variyar 
Chandrakantham
Kottakkal
Malappuram  Kerala - 676503
Mob: +91 9446249729