Legendary Kutiyattam Performer, Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar passed away on 1st July 2008 around 9:15 PM at his residence aged 92. His funeral was attended by art-lovers, fans, friends, family and several emminent personalities from various fields.

Ammannur Madhava Chakyar can perhaps easily be described as the greatest Kutiyattam performer of the last century. He was initiated into Kutiyattam at the age of 7 and trained rigorously under his two uncles Ammannur Chachu Chakyar, Ammannur Valiya.

His arangettam (debut performance) was at the age of 11 at the Bhagavathi temple at Thirumandham Kunnu performing the role of Sutradhara in Balacharitam.
At the age of 14, he gave his first performance at the Vadakkumnathan Temple in Trichur performing as Sree Rama in Balivadham.

At the age of 16, he had his debut in Prabandha Koothu with the ritual Kuduma vakkal at the Putiya Trikkovil, Chendamangalam.

After completing his basic training in the traditional style under his masters, Ammannur Madhava Chakyar went for higher training in Abhinaya and Natyashastra under Bhagavathar Kunjunni Thampuran at the acting laboratory at the Kodungallor Royal family.

He also studied Sanskrit language under Vidushi Kochikavu Tampuratty and Vivan Manthitta Nambuthiri. He has several productions to his credit and held various positions in his lifetime. There were many disciples who trained under him and who are now established artistes in their own right. He has performed internationally and is survived by his wife Parukkutty Illodamma.

*The above information is courtesy Gopal Venu, Director- Natanakairali.