Krishnankutty Poduwal was the greatest percussionist in Kathakali. Belonging to the temple-caste family of percussionists, Poduwal learnt the basics of chenda and edaykka from his uncle Govinda Poduwal at the village Vellinezhi in Palakkad District. Afterwards he joined Keralakalamandalam and continued his studies under Venkicchan Swamy, the maddalam maestro. Poduwal studied the visual grammar and rhythmic- culture of Kathakali under Pattikkaamthoti Ravunni Menon. He then interpreted the role of chenda in Kathakali. Poduwal traced on chenda even the subtle emotions of characters, provided musical sentiments to romantic scenes and prompted the actors do their best on stage. His holistic understanding of Kathakali helped him integrate music to every visual note. This was a matchless achievement. Poduwal retired as professor at Kalamandalam in the late eighties. He was the first percussionist in Kathakali to receive the Central Sangeet Natak Academy Award. He passed away a few years later.
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