Chenganoor Raman Pillai

From Bharatpedia, an open encyclopedia
Information red.svg
Scan the QR code to donate via UPI
Dear reader, We need your support to keep the flame of knowledge burning bright! Our hosting server bill is due on June 1st, and without your help, Bharatpedia faces the risk of shutdown. We've come a long way together in exploring and celebrating our rich heritage. Now, let's unite to ensure Bharatpedia continues to be a beacon of knowledge for generations to come. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Together, let's preserve and share the essence of Bharat.

Thank you for being part of the Bharatpedia family!
Please scan the QR code on the right to donate.

0%

   

transparency: ₹0 raised out of ₹100,000 (0 supporter)


Guru Chenganoor Raman Pillai
GuruChenganurRamanPillai.jpg
Guru Chenganoor Raman Pillai, Kathakali artist.
Head of palace kathakali yogam to the Travancore Maharaja for 65 years.
Personal details
Born
Raman Pillai

16 January 1886
pandanad, Chengannur, Kingdom of Travancore, British India
(now in Kerala, India)
Died11 November 1980(1980-11-11) (aged 94)
pandanad, Chengannur, Kerala, India
NationalityIndian
ProfessionKathakali artist, Kathakali teacher

Guru Chenganoor Raman Pillai, also spelt Chengannur Raman Pillai (1886–1980), was a celebrated Kathakali artist from Kerala in south India. He was known for his brilliant portrayal of the anti-heroic Kathi roles on stage, and was the head of palace kathakali yogam to the Travancore Maharaja in a career spanning almost 65 years.

Raman Pillai, born in Chenganoor on 16 January 1886, was a specialist in the Kathakali southern style called Kapplingad, which gives prominence to abhinaya (acting). He wrote Thekkan Chittayilulla Abhyasa Kramangal, considered one of the major training manuals on southern-style Kathakali.

He was a disciple of Thakazhi Kesava Panikker, Mathur Kunhupilla Panikker and Ambalappuzha Kunhikrishna Panikker. Another Kathakali master, Chennthala Kochupillai Panikker, helped him to gain popularity in his art.

Raman Pillai had his masterpieces in roles like Duryodhanan, Ravanan and Keechakan, Jarasandhan, Banan and Kamsan. He also performed as Hanuman, Hamsam and the black-bearded Kaatalan (woodsman).

Raman Pillai's leading disciples include Madavoor Vasudevan Nair, Haripad Ramakrishna Pillai, Mankompu Sivasankara Pillai, Guru Gopinath, and Chennithala Chellappan Pillai. They all studied under him as per the Gurukula system.

The documentary film Chenganoor Raman Pillai profiles his life and contributions. He died on 11 November 1980.

Awards & Honours[edit]

Padma Shri Award in 1971. He received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1963.[1]

Books[edit]

Thekkan Chittayilulla Abhyasa Kramangal published in 1973.[citation needed]

References[edit]

  1. "SNA Awardees' List". Sangeet Natak Akademi. 2016. Archived from the original on 31 March 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2016.