Mani madhava chakyar 1899-1990: the master at work

The video is a presentation from the Sangeet Natak Akademi on the life and achievements of the celebrated Koodiyattam performer Mani Madhava Chakyar. The video also includes an interview with the master performer. Mani Madhava Chakyar was born in 1899 to a traditional Chakyar family from Perunthalloor in north Kerala. The narrative art of storytelling has been maintained by actors called Chakyars in Kerala. This ancient theatre art form known as Koothu or Koodiyattam witnessed one of its most celebrated exponents in the art of Mani Madhava Chakyar. He was trained from an early age in the art form by his uncles. His first formal performance took place at the age of fourteen. He performed on stage for six continuous days thereby sealing his fate as an actor.