- A tribute to tradition: The acclaimed vocalist continues the glorious legacy of Kathakali music through five decades of devotion and artistry
- From Kalamandalam to Santiniketan, Mohanakrishnan’s journey bridges Kerala’s cultural heritage with India’s classical renaissance
- ‘Music is not just accompaniment in Kathakali—it is the soul that gives life to expression,’ says the maestro
NE ENTERTAINMENT BUREAU
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, NOV 3
Renowned Kathakali musician Kalamandalam Mohanakrishnan has been conferred the prestigious Kerala Kalamandalam Kathakali Music Award 2025, recognising his lifelong contribution to preserving and enriching the musical tradition that forms the soul of Kerala’s classical dance-drama.
Born Into a Legacy of Rhythm and Raga
Hailing from a family steeped in musical excellence, Mohanakrishnan is the son of the legendary Kathakali artist Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval and the late Kavalappara Parvathi Bhavanam Radha Poduvalasiar. His initiation into music began under the loving guidance of his grandmother, the late Parvathi (Ammukkutty) Poduvalasyiar, a revered Carnatic musician of her time.
With music flowing through generations, Mohanakrishnan’s early training was marked by discipline, devotion, and a deep spiritual connection to sound—qualities that would later define his artistry.
From Kalamandalam’s Halls to Santiniketan’s Stages
As one of the youngest students to enter Kerala Kalamandalam, Mohanakrishnan had the rare privilege of learning under the legendary Kalamandalam Neelakandan Nambisan, one of the greatest Kathakali vocalists of the modern era. He also trained under stalwarts like Kalamandalam Gangadharan, Kalamandalam Subrahmanian Namboothiri (Madampi), and Ramankutty Warrier, mastering the intricate blend of emotion, rhythm, and melody that defines Kathakali music.
After years of rigorous training, he honed his performance skills under Kalamandalam Shankaran Embranthiri, accompanying the maestro for over two years on stage. In 1978, upon the advice of Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan Kurup, Mohanakrishnan joined Visva-Bharati University’s Sangeet Bhavan in Santiniketan as an Assistant Lecturer in Kathakali Music, where he introduced Kerala’s rhythmic heritage to new audiences and scholars.
A Voice That Carries Kerala’s Soul Across Borders
Throughout his illustrious career, Mohanakrishnan has performed alongside some of the greatest Kathakali maestros, earning accolades for his ability to blend precision with bhava (emotion). His voice has resounded in temples, cultural festivals, and international stages, carrying with it the ethos of Kerala’s classical tradition.
Reflecting on the recognition, Mohanakrishnan said, “Kathakali music is not mere accompaniment—it is the very soul that animates the drama. Every raga, every note, carries the emotion of the character and the devotion of the artist.”
Preserving a Living Heritage
Kalamandalam Mohanakrishnan’s artistry represents a bridge between generations—a living connection between the masters of yesteryear and the aspirants of today. His teaching, performances, and compositions continue to inspire young artists to uphold the sanctity and creative depth of Kathakali music.
The Kerala Kalamandalam Kathakali Music Award 2025 is not only a recognition of personal excellence but also a celebration of the enduring spirit of Kerala’s cultural identity—kept alive through the voices and visions of artists like Mohanakrishnan.
