B4 Govind, Madurai Perumal Koil Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai 600087

10th September 2013

PRESS RELEASE KALASAGAR TO OBSERVE GURUSMARANADINAM ON 14 OCTOBER 2013

Guru Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval, Founder, Kalasagar Kalasagar, plans to commemorate the 21st death anniversary of its founder, maestro, the late Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval, as GURUSMARANADINAM (Homage to Gurus) on Monday, October 14, at NARADAGANA SABHA, TTK ROAD, CHENNAI, by honouring eminent performing artists and gurus in Chennai. Shri Krishnankutty Poduval, was a legendary player of the and an informed critic of Kathakali. He studied the visual grammar and rhythmic structure of Kathakali under Guru Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon and went on to reinterpret the chenda‘s role in Kathakali. Poduval was reputed for tracing subtle emotions in the characters with his chenda, providing mood music to romantic scenes and prompting the actors to do their best on stage. His holistic understanding of Kathakali helped him integrate music with each visual. This remains an unparalleled achievement. Poduval scripted and directed many Kathakali plays like Bhishmaprathignya, Amba, King Lear, and Snapakacharitham, to name a few. He left behind a treasure trove of knowledge on ’s performing arts in general and on Kathakali in particular - both at the theoretical and practical level. Kalasagar has been annually celebrating its founder’s birthday on May 28 with events which have become a part of the cultural calendar of Kerala with the active support and participation of well-wishers. In May 2008, published MELAPERUKKAM, a book containing Poduval’s articles and in May 2009, Kerala Kalamandalam published SOURYAGUNAM, Poduval’s biography written by Prof. K P Babudas. Kalasagar Award in memory of Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval is being presented to eminent artists in the field of Kathakali, Ottenthullal, Chakyarkuthu, Thayambaka, , Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattom, Kuchipudi. The awardees are selected through nominations from art lovers.

The Guru’s to be honoured at the Chennai event on October 14, are Dr. Padma Subramaniam and Prof. A Janardhanan of Kalakshetra, Chennai.

Dr. Padma Subramaniam Prof. A. Janardhanan

The evening’s programme begins at 5.30 p.m. with dance by the students of Triveni School of Dance, Chennai followed by presentation of ASHTAPADIYATTAM a dance drama based on Jaydeva’s Geetha Govindam conceptualized and choreographed by Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval and produced and directed by Rajan Poduval with the support of Kalamandalam Vijayakrishnan and Shri Vinayan & Kalamandalam Maya of Triveni School of Classical Dance, Chennai. Eminent personalities from the field of art, culture, cinema, social activities and theatre will grace the occasion. For more details, contact Rajan Poduval, Secretary, Kalasagar (9282449995)

Rajan Poduval, Secretary, 9282449995