Kalamandalam Ramachandran Unnithan

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.