Born on 8 March 1951 at Kottarakkara in Kerala, Shri Kalamandalam Ramachandran
Unnithan has received his initial training in Kathakali under Shri Kareepra Vasu Pillai.
Later, he received his advanced training under Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair and
Kalamandalam Gopi at the Kerala Kalamandalam. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma
in Kathakali Vesham from the institution.
Shri Ramachandran Unnithan has performed widely and received critical acclaim for
his work in Pachha, Kathi and Vellathadi vesham. His major roles include Bali,
Jarasandha, Dushasana, Kali, Duryodhana, Hanuman, Narasimha, Kattala and
Brahmana. He has travelled extensively within the country and abroad including the
U.S.A., U.K., U.A.E. and the erstwhile U.S.S.R. for performances and workshops. Shri
Unnithan has written two books namely, Kachayum Mezhukkum and Thadiveshathinte
Rangashobha.
Shri Kalamandalam Ramachandran Unnithan has received a number of awards from
various institutions in Kerala. These include the Kerala Kalamandalam Award; the
Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Gurupooja Award; the Kalamandalam Ramankutty
Nair Memorial Nivapam Award; the Kalasagar Award; and the Kottarakkara
Thampuran Award.
Shri Kalamandalam Ramachandran Unnithan receives the Sangeet Natak Akademi
Award for his contribution to Kathakali.