When Kalamandalam introduced Koodiyattam in its curriculum Painkulam Rama Chakkyar was invited to head the Faculty. (Panikulam in the name of a village near Kalamandalam.) Chakyar was then well-known all over Kerala as one who boldly brought Koothu outside the temple-precincts. Rama Chakkyar was a revolutionary. He therefore fully supported institutionalization of Koodiyattam. Chakyar encouraged aspirants from all communities to study and practice Koothu and Koodiyattam, the classical Sanskrit theatre. Besides being and artiste Chakyar was a scholar and sahridaya(connoisseur). He made the first successful attempt to synchronize the acting in Koodiyattam with the music of Mizhaavu, the main percussion instrument. Chakyar edited several Sanskrit plays including Bhagavadajjukam of Bodhayan for presentation to the common audience. Rama Chakyar was at his best in the role of Vidooshaka in Koodiyattam. Verbal Acting was his forte. Humor was his passion. He devoted his entire life to Koodiyattom and mented some talented artists to carry on the tradition. Rama Chakyar and his troupe in Kalamandalam toured Europe and the US many times and presented Koodiyattam to the western audience. This resulted in gaining international recognition to this theatre-tradition.
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