Chirakkara Madhavankutty

Chirakkara Madhavankutty was a Kathakali artist from Kerala known for his portrayal of female characters in this traditional Indian dance-drama. His skills in embodying feminine roles earned him widespread recognition.
==Early life==
Born on June 13, 1939, in Chirakkara, Kollam, Kerala, Madhavankutty was the third child of Raman Pillai and Chellamma from the Chirakkara Kunnathu Veedu family. Despite receiving a basic education at Chirakkara LP School, his passion for the art of Kathakali was ignited at the tender age of 11. He became famous by portraying feminine roles such as Kunthi, Sairandhri, Draupadi, Chandramathi, Urvashi, Malayathi, and Mohini, which eventually became his masterpieces.
==Disappearance==
At the age of 72, Madhavankutty mysteriously disappeared. Despite extensive efforts and speculations, his whereabouts remain unknown. His disappearance in 2011 January remains an unsolved mystery till date.
==Training==
During his youth, Madhavankutty was attracted by the Kathakali training sessions and play preparations conducted by Chirakkara Nanu Ashan, a Kathakali performer and instructor hailing from their small village. Nanu Ashan recognized the inherent talent within young Madhavankutty to convey the intricate expressions of Kathakali. Impressed by his potential, Nanu Ashan commenced his training, and Madhavankutty made his debut at the age of 11, portraying Lord Krishna in the play "Rukminiswayamvaram."
Seeking further expertise, Madhavankutty pursued training under the guidance of the Kathakali artist, Mankulam Vishnu Namboothiri, in Kayamkulam. Mankulam was particularly acclaimed for his portrayal of feminine roles at that time. As Mankulam transitioned into male roles, Madhavankutty received comprehensive training to excel as his female counterpart on stage. Mankulam insisted that his disciples acquire an in-depth understanding of the languages and epics that served as the foundation for Kathakali's narratives. Under his mentorship, Madhavankutty also gained extensive knowledge in these aspects.
==Notable performances and accolades==
In 1952, Madhavankutty made his debut in a feminine role for a Kathakali performance, portraying Panchali. This inaugural female role instantly got him fame among Kadhakali enthusiasts. His features, makeup, and expressions endowed him with perfect feminine beauty and got him a fan following.
In 1955, a troupe led by Mankulam received an invitation to perform at the Kerala Club in Delhi, marking the first worthwhile Kathakali performance in the city. The performance featured "Rukmaangadhacharitham," with Madhavankutty portraying the role of Mohini, a character known for its multifaceted expressions. The audience included the then Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, his teenage daughter Indira Gandhi, V.K. Krishnamenon, Panampilli Govindamenon, and other diplomats. Nehru was spellbound by Madhavankutty's portrayal of Mohini and whispered to MKK Nair, a senior IAS official, "That girl is amazing," to which MKK Nair revealed that it was, in fact, a male performer. After the performance, MKK Nair took Nehru to the backstage to convince that it was a male performer. This remarkable performance at the age of 16, established Madhavankutty as a connoisseur of female character portrayals in Kathakali. In recognition of his performance, Nehru honored him with gold medal as a token of respect.
==Film appearance and awards==
In 1965, Madhavankutty made cinematic appearance in the Malayalam movie "Mayavi." In the film, he portrayed the character of Sairandhri as part of the Kadhakali entourage involved in the depiction of the epic tale of Keechakavadham, along with Mankulam Vishnu Namboothiri.
Madhavankutty's contributions to the world of Kathakali was honored with the Mali Karnasapatham Award in 2009. The award ceremony took place at the Kalikotta Palace in Trippunithura, Cochin, on November 8, 2009.
==Later life and disappearance==
In his later years, Madhavankutty established himself as a prominent and highly sought-after Kathakali performer, often sharing the stage with renowned artists such as Kalamandalam Gopi, Harippadu Ramakrishnapilla, Oyoor Kochugovindappilla, and Madavoor Vasudevan Nair. He maintained a rigorous performance schedule, participating in approximately 250 stages every year. Additionally, he served as a Kathakali trainer for 16 years at the Mankulam Kalari, passing on his expertise to the next generation of performers.
In 1987, he returned to his native village, but his passion for Kathakali persisted. He initiated the 'Kerala Kalarangam,' a Kathakali Training Centre, at the Poothakkulam Sree Dharmmashasthra Kshethram, dedicated to the memory of his mentor, Guru Mankulam. Despite its humble beginnings, Madhavankutty's relentless efforts helped the center gradually expand its facilities and infrastructure.
On Vijayadashami day in 2010, he made a poignant return to the stage, portraying the role of 'Sundarabrahmanan' during the debut performance of one of his disciple Mr. Bijulal's students. Little did anyone know that this would be Madhavankutty's final performance. After leaving the stage, he blessed all the aspiring newcomers in the field of Kathakali and promised to return soon. However, he mysteriously went missing shortly. Madhavankutty rarely remained in one place for an extended period, that kept him away from home for months at a time. It wasn't until nearly six months had passed that his close associates and family members began to realize his absence. They took action by filing a formal complaint with the local police station on July 31st, 2011. Despite exhaustive search efforts conducted by both the Kerala Police and the Crime Branch, Madhavankutty's whereabouts remain shrouded in mystery, and he is yet to be located.
==Personal life and relationships==
Madhavankutty, hailing from a financially disadvantaged background, was suffering from alcoholism during his lifetime. The gold medal bestowed upon him by Nehru served as a financial support for his family, particularly for his elder sister's wedding, relieving them of a significant financial burden. Consequently, Madhavankutty's personal earnings remained modest.
Throughout his life, Madhavankutty chose not to marry. Interestingly, there was a lady from an aristocratic family who frequently attended his performances and caught his attention. She remained a mystery, and Madhavankutty's co-player, Chavara Parukkutty, once inquired about her, even suggesting the possibility of marriage. Madhavankutty responded with a knowing smile, stating that they would await the right moment. To this day, the identity of the lady in question remains undisclosed.
Category:1939 births
Category:Indian people
Category:Artists